Town Residents
Code Red Information
CODERED EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SERVICE
The Town of Dalton has implemented the CodeRED system, a high-speed emergency notification service provided by Ormond Beach, FL-based Emergency Communications Network. The CodeRED system will serve as the backbone of the Dalton Emergency planning and communications outreach to both citizens and town personnel by using the system capabilities to send telephone calls, text messages, emails and social media alerts in an effort to effectively inform residents to protect life and property.
By clicking the provided link residents can choose which method or methods that they wish to be notified: cell phone call, text, email, and/or home phone number. You may enter multiple points of contact. You do not have to have an account in order to use the system. You may also use the link to opt out of Code Red if you no longer want to recieve notifications. All residents are encourage to visit the CodeRED website.
Dalton Evacuation Plan
2023 Town of Dalton Evacuation Plan
Below is a summary of Actions to be Taken in the Event of the need for a partial or full evacuation due to an emergency situation
The Town will notify residents of the need to evacuate via Code Red, Socal Media, and traditional media outlets. The Town will provide residents with, at minimum the following information:
Information regarding the reason for the order based on the most current assessment
The immediate action required by residents
Any critical information needed by the residents for the safe and orderly implication of the plan
Unless otherwise dictated by the Town Officials, all self-evacuees shall follow the prescribed routes as outlined in the evacuation plan and noting that most cases, the intersection at Main St and South St will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles.
Persons with transportation issues will be assisted by agencies enlisted to assist the town and will be transported to temporary locations pending relocation to the regional shelter.
Traffic Control Points will be established to assist residents with direction and information on the evacuation process.
Once the evacuated area has been deemed to be safe for reentry and/or reoccupation, residents will be notified via Code Red, social media, and traditional media outlets.
Winter Storm Information
In the event of a severe winter storm, the Town of Dalton will declare a snow emergency and notify residents via Code Red, social media, and local new agencies.
During a snow emergency any on-street parking is prohibited
Log onto Dalton Weather for weather advisories
During extreme weather events such as snow or cold, Residents may use the Dalton Senior Center or the Dalton CRA as warming shelters. Information including hours will be posted on the Town Website and the Emergency Management Facebook page.
Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.
Before a Winter Storm
Be informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies.
Create and review your family emergency plan.
If you receive dialysis, medical treatments or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time.
Assemble an emergency kit. Add seasonal supplies to your emergency kit, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.
Follow instructions from public safety officials.
Prepare for possible power outages.
Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and other electronic devices before a storm if power outages are expected.
If your medical equipment uses electricity, talk to health care providers, utility company & your personal support network for options during a power outage. If you’ll need assistance during an outage, talk to family, friends & your support network.
Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use it safely before an outage.
Prepare your home for possible emergencies.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches around your home that could fall and cause injury or damage.
Clear clogged rain gutters to allow water to flow away from your home. Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris.
Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel and consider safe backup heating options such as fireplaces or woodstoves.
Ensure your vehicle is ready for safe winter driving. Keep the gas tank at least half-full and have a Winter Emergency Car Kit in the trunk.
During a Winter Storm
Minimize outdoor activities. Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, utilize MEMA’s winter driving safety tips.
Keep your pets safe with Winter Pet Safety Tips.
Dress for the season to protect against the elements. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
During extreme cold weather, follow our extreme cold safety tips.
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
After a Winter Storm
Continue to monitor media for emergency information.
Follow instructions from public safety officials.
Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1 to find locations of warming centers or shelters near you or for other storm-related questions.
In the event of power outages during cold weather, you may need to go to a warming center or emergency shelter to stay warm. Report power outages to your utility company.
Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
Stay off streets and roads until they are clear of snow.
Use caution and take frequent breaks when shoveling snow to prevent overexertion. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter.
Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working as it is a silent, odorless, killer.
Clear snow from around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. See more Generator Safety Tips.
Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.
Clear snow from the sidewalk on your property including nearby curb cuts to allow access for wheelchair users. Regulations and requirements for homeowners and business to clear sidewalks vary by community, but even if not required, please clear sidewalks to make safe travel for all.
Property owners and businesses should clear snow from walkways, entrances and access ramps, and handicapped parking spots and may be required to do so.
Check your roof and clear accumulated snow to avoid roof collapses.
Don’t park too close to corners so public safety vehicles and plows can maneuver safely.
Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic.
Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.
Flooding
Flooding is the most common hazard in Massachusetts. Some floods develop slowly, while flash floods can occur within minutes or hours after a storm or containment system break. Flooding is a leading cause of death in many disasters. Learn how to prepare for a flood, stay safe during a flood, and protect your health when you return home after a flood.
Information about Dalton and Flooding
Before a Flood
Register for early warning notices by signing up with the Daltons Code Red notification system.
Buy Flood Insurance (coverage is not effective the first 30 days).
If you have insurance review your policy to ensure you have proper coverage.
Keep your policy and agent’s contact info on hand.
Know your evacuation route.
Know the difference between a watch and warning.
Have an emergency plan for your family, pets and business.
Visit "Build a Kit" to be prepared before disaster strikes.
Inventory and photograph your home and contents and save receipts for expensive items to prove costs, and store it with your insurance policy.
Keep all original important documents in a safe place like a safe deposit box.
Keep drainage areas clean of debris.
Fill sand/mulch bags to protect low lying entrances to your house .
Elevate important utilities like air handlers, electrical boxes, and water heaters (permit required).
During a Flood
Tune in to local TV and radio channels.
Do not walk or drive through flowing flood water.
Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
Animals may seek shelter in your home and aggressively defend themselves.
Conserve water by minimizing toilet flushing and laundry.
Be especially cautious after dark when it is harder to see danger.
After a Flood
Do not enter a flooded building until it has been cleared for re-entry by an inspector.
After the building has been inspected; contact adjuster to verify what is needed (pictures, etc.) and remove wet contents as soon as possible.
Dry out the building with air conditioners and dehumidifiers to prevent mold.
Throw out any food that has came in contact with flood waters or has been thawed due to power outages. One trick is to freeze a cup of water and then place a quarter on top of the ice. When you return to your home if the quarter is at the bottom of the cup then the freezer was without power and all food should be discarded.
Boil water before use. Test your well. If in doubt, call a public health official.
Use flashlights instead of fire to see at night.
Photograph and list damaged/lost items with age and value for the adjuster
Report broken utility and electrical systems to the appropriate authorities
Plan before you repair (Get building permits, hire licensed contractor)
Watch "When the Clouds Form" on You Tube: How Prepared are You for a Flood?
Disasters can strike at any time, but they are less scary when you have a plan and everyone in your household knows the plan.
So Get a Plan and always Be Prepared!
For more information on how to prepare for a flood visit the following sites below.
Visit Ready.gov, a FEMA website that provides information on disasters, emergencies, and much more.
Visit The American Red Cross website for more information on floods.
Call 211 for non-emergency assistance
Call 2-1-1 during a disaster to receive non-emergency information such as shelter locations, disaster assistance programs, or how to volunteer.
About 2-1-1
Mass 2-1-1 was created and is staffed by the United Way. This 24/7 service was created as a resource to connect callers to information about critical health and human services programs.
2-1-1 is the Commonwealth’s primary telephone information call center. Call 2-1-1 for information about the location of open shelters, transportation or other restrictions due to a declared state of emergency, post disaster assistance, ways to volunteer or donate, or other services you or your family may need.
If you have an emergency or you need the assistance of a first responder (police, fire, EMS) call 9-1-1.
Emergency Prepardness Workbook
A downloadable and printable Emergency Preparedness Workbook to help your family prepare for emergencies
"The Survivorman" Les Stroud and Team Rubicon present Preparing for Disasters
A YouTube Series offering tips to preparing for and surviving a disaster with Les Stroud. Les Stroud is a Canadian survival expert, filmmaker and musician best known as the creator, writer, producer, director, cameraman and host of the television series Survivorman. Stroud was named Chief Scout by Scouts Canada on November 22, 2021.