Information about Cambridge’s Response and Key Information Regarding Henri

UPDATED August 22 at 6:00 p.m.: There have been no severe impacts reported in the City of Cambridge due to Tropical Storm Henri. However, if you have non-emergency service requests related to the storm, please report them using our online Commonwealth connect system.  The City Manager wishes to thank the residents and businesses of Cambridge for taking the necessary steps to prepare for Henri. He also extends his appreciation to City staff for executing our emergency preparedness planning and response mobilization before and during the storm.  

The City Manager is regularly communicating with the Mayor’s office and the City’s public safety, public information, public health, human services, and public works departments to prepare for and coordinate our response. 

The Department of Public Work’s (DPW) forestry, street, and sewer crews continue to be on standby on Sunday and Monday. These crews will address any tree and street flooding issues as they arise across the city.

Cambridge Fire, Police, and Emergency Communications will have additional staff on duty to assist with the City’s storm response.

General Reminders:

•  Subscribe to Cambridge’s CodeRED emergency notification system that allows the City to send emergency notifications to subscribers via email, text, and phone calls.
• DPW asks neighbors to clean leaves and debris off catch bins near their homes and businesses. This will help relieve potential street flooding situations. Additionally, be prepared for possible flooding by elevating items in your basement, checking your sump pump, and unplugging sensitive electronic equipment.
• Clear clogged rain gutters to allow water to flow away from your home.
• Secure or bring in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be damaged during strong winds or flooding.
• Avoid driving or going outdoors during a storm. Flooding and damaging winds can make traveling dangerous. Never drive into a flooded street.

 Are you concerned about someone remaining on the street?

• Severe weather can pose a risk to the safety and health of people remaining outdoors. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you see on the street, please contact the FirstStep Street Outreach team at 617-592-6895 or call 911.

Reporting Information to the City

To report storm-related issues such as trees down, power outages, or flooding, please contact the non-emergency number of the Cambridge Police 617-349-3300 or Cambridge Fire 617-349-4900. Downed trees and flooding can alternatively be reported to the Department of Public Works at 617-348-4800.  Downed power lines or wires should be reported to 911.

Calling 911 should be reserved for emergencies only. By using the non-emergency numbers to report other issues enables our 911 dispatchers to easily recognize and give highest priority to emergency callers while still being able to receive and promptly answer calls for service or non-emergency requests.

What to Do in Case of a Power Outage

To report a power outage, please call Eversource directly at 800-286-2000 or report online using Eversource’s outage map https://outagemap.eversource.com/external/default.html.

• Be prepared for a power outage by stocking up on batteries, flashlights, and canned goods.
• Avoid using candles during any power outage.
• If power is lost, unplug all appliances except one lamp to prevent power surge damage.
• Keep refrigerators closed as much as possible and keep temperature at 45° or below. Food will stay fresh for between 36-48 hours in a full fridge; 24 hours in a half-filled one.
• Keep a battery-operated radio, extra medicine, and bottled water on hand.
• Be aware of the potentially life-threatening hazards presented by downed power lines, never approach wires and stay at least 35 feet way.
• If you see downed power lines call 911.

Be Prepared in Advance of Any Significant Storm

The City of Cambridge reminds all residents to prepare themselves, their families, and their homes for the approaching storm Henri. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers these helpful preparedness tips:

• Make sure you know your zone
• Make a plan
• Build an emergency kit
• Stay informed

Learn how you and your family can prepare for any tropical storm or hurricane by visiting the Commonwealth’s hurricane tips website.