The potential impact of today’s storm provides us with an opportunity to look out for friends and neighbors to ensure we all stay safe and warm.

There are some other things we can do in preparation. Hopefully we all have batteries, flashlights and are keeping electronics like phones, laptops, tablets charged so we can communicate in the event we need them. If you have not, it would be good to take care of this now.

If you have well water, it is always a great idea to keep that bathtub and other containers filled. This is an easy one to do now.

The Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor and St. Columba’s Episcopal Church want you to know that both churches are open and available for warming up, cooking food, and charging devices.  However, the Community Lunch is cancelled for today.

The Boothbay Fire Station is open and available for showers and other amenities that are available there.  If you do not have adequate smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, make it a priority to get them after this storm. Our local fire departments do have them available.

Be safe with your heating systems and avoid using the unsafe ones.  We received a report of a person sleeping on the kitchen floor with the oven door open.  That is unacceptable. We can help where help is needed but only if we know.

If you or someone you know, especially the elderly does not have adequate heat or experiences the loss of electricity, you can call the Boothbay Harbor Police Department at 633-5616 or Holly Stover at 350-7477. We will assist and do our best to help, including getting you to a warm space if we are able.  Things will continue to deteriorate as the day goes on and it is better to call early if you know of a need.

If this is an emergency, always call 911.

The good news is that this storm will pass.  The great news is we live in a community where one of our greatest strengths is to take care of one another.

Be safe and ask for help if you get into to trouble.