Past Risk Alerts 2023

July 27, 2023

A Flood Watch is in effect through this evening for portions of central, eastern, northeastern and western Massachusetts. A heat advisory is also in effect until 8pm Saturday. Heat index values of 95 to 100 are expected.

Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks and flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Heavy rainfall, combined with already saturated soil, presents a flash flood threat for the area.

We urge you to immediately take the following precautions for storm preparedness:

• Have custodians check drains, grates, and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Check to see if sump pumps are working.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people or property.
• Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Shutter windows. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

If outdoors, avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods, such as tall, isolated trees in an open area.
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Anything metal, such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, golf clubs and bicycles.

After the storm, be sure to inspect basements and roofs for leaks and flooding. In addition, inspect the grounds for weak or damaged tree limbs and have these removed immediately. If you experience property damage or injury as a result of the storm, report the claim immediately to PMA at 888-476-2669.

We also urge you to be mindful of the heat index in the coming days. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should do the following:

• Listen to the news and public announcements for heat advisories.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and sports drinks. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of liquid, you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid using the stove or oven.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Do not stay in the hot weather if you feel sick.
• Do not leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
• If you must be outside, adjust to your environment, limiting your outdoor activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

Be mindful of employees and volunteers. If the air conditioning system is not working properly at your parish or institution, please consider having your staff work from home. If possible, try to postpone outdoor duties such as painting or landscaping until the heat wave breaks. If your parish or school is hosting summer activities for children, limit the time children spend outdoors, try to find shady areas for them to play or rest in, and be sure they have applied sunscreen and are taking frequent water breaks.

Heat-Related Emergencies

Signs of a heat stroke

• Victim is often confused and disorientated.
• Skin is often hot, red and dry.
• Body temperature is very high.

What to do if you suspect heat stroke

• CALL 911 immediately.
• Move victim to a cool location out of the heat.
• Place him/her in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room.
• Place ice packs under armpits and groin.
• DO NOT give the victim ANYTHING to eat or drink!

Signs of heat exhaustion

• Skin is cool, pale and moist.
• Body temperature is near normal.
• Victim is sweating heavily.
• Victim experiences headache, nausea, dizziness or vomiting.

What to do if you suspect heat exhaustion

• CALL 911 immediately.
• Move victim to a cool location out of the heat.
• Lay victim on his or her back and elevate legs.
• Remove/loosen clothing.
• Cool victim by fanning or applying cold packs, wet sheets or towels.

Those Most At Risk

• Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age and older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
• The unhoused can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of ready access to water or shelter from the heat.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Plan to check on family, friends, and neighbors – especially the elderly – who do not have air conditioning or who spend much of their time alone. Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.

July 25, 2023

Potentially strong storms are expected Tuesday afternoon, before the “heat dome” affecting the western United States is set to move eastward into New England this week, bringing record heat temperatures beginning Wednesday and lasting through Saturday, when the heat will likely dissipate with expected storms.

On Tuesday afternoon, scattered showers with embedded strong to severe thunderstorms will move through the area around 2pm, bringing downpours and lightening, with the possibility of damaging winds. On Wednesday, temperatures soar into the 90s across much of New England for an extended period. With temperatures expected to top 90 degrees over the next several days, with heat index values reaching over 100, New England residents are reminded to take precautions to stay safe and healthy during this hot and potentially dangerous weather.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat kills 1,500 people on average yearly in the United States — more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, lightning, or any other weather event combined.

We urge you to immediately take the following precautions for storm preparedness:

• Have custodians check drains, grates, and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Check to see if sump pumps are working.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people or property.
• Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Shutter windows. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

If outdoors, avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods, such as tall, isolated trees in an open area.
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Anything metal, such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, golf clubs and bicycles.

After the storm, be sure to inspect basements and roofs for leaks and flooding. In addition, inspect the grounds for weak or damaged tree limbs and have these removed immediately. If you experience property damage or injury as a result of the storm, report the claim immediately to PMA at 888-476-2669.

We also urge you to be mindful of the heat index in the coming days. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and injuries, but everyone should do the following:

• Listen to the news and public announcements for heat advisories.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and sports drinks. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of liquid, you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid using the stove or oven.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Do not stay in the hot weather if you feel sick.
• Do not leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
• If you must be outside, adjust to your environment, limiting your outdoor activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

Be mindful of employees and volunteers. If the air conditioning system is not working properly at your parish or institution, please consider having your staff work from home. If possible, try to postpone outdoor duties such as painting or landscaping until the heat wave breaks. If your parish or school is hosting summer activities for children, limit the time children spend outdoors, try to find shady areas for them to play or rest in, and be sure they have applied sunscreen and are taking frequent water breaks.

Heat-Related Emergencies

Signs of a heat stroke

• Victim is often confused and disorientated.
• Skin is often hot, red and dry.
• Body temperature is very high.

What to do if you suspect heat stroke

• CALL 911 immediately.
• Move victim to a cool location out of the heat.
• Place him/her in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room.
• Place ice packs under armpits and groin.
• DO NOT give the victim ANYTHING to eat or drink!

Signs of heat exhaustion

• Skin is cool, pale and moist.
• Body temperature is near normal.
• Victim is sweating heavily.
• Victim experiences headache, nausea, dizziness or vomiting.

What to do if you suspect heat exhaustion

• CALL 911 immediately.
• Move victim to a cool location out of the heat.
• Lay victim on his or her back and elevate legs.
• Remove/loosen clothing.
• Cool victim by fanning or applying cold packs, wet sheets or towels.

Those Most At Risk

• Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age and older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
• The unhoused can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of ready access to water or shelter from the heat.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Plan to check on family, friends, and neighbors – especially the elderly – who do not have air conditioning or who spend much of their time alone. Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.

July 16, 2023

The National Weather issued a TORNADO WATCH in effect until 3pm today for the following counties:

• Worcester
• Middlesex
• Essex
• Franklin
• Hampden
• Hampshire

For more information on tornado preparations, please see our Tornado Fact Sheet.

We urge you to immediately take the following precautions:

• Have custodians check drains, grates, and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Check to see if sump pumps are working.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people or property.
• Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Shutter windows. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

If outdoors, avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods, such as tall, isolated trees in an open area.
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Anything metal, such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, golf clubs and bicycles.

After the storm, be sure to inspect basements and roofs for leaks and flooding. In addition, inspect the grounds for weak or damaged tree limbs and have these removed immediately.

Property Damage

Property damage caused by lightning, including damage caused to electrical appliances and wiring, is covered under the property and insurance program. If you experienced a lightning strike that causes damage, please report the claim immediately to PMA at 888-476-2669.

July 10, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for central and western Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties until 11:30 am, and for Berkshire County until 10:00 am. Heavy rains will fall at various intensities through this morning, with an increased threat for some flooding, particularly across the hill towns and in Berkshire County.

Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations are expected and/ or occurring. Streams will continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall.

We urge you to immediately take the following precautions:

• Have custodians check drains, grates, and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Check to see if sump pumps are working.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people or property.
• Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Shutter windows. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

After the rainfall, be sure to inspect basements and roofs for leaks and flooding. In addition, inspect the grounds for weak or damaged tree limbs and have these removed immediately.

Property Damage

If you experience property damage or injury as a result of the storm, please report the claim immediately to PMA at 888-476-2669.

June 14, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for all of Massachusetts east of Berkshire County, as well as northern Connecticut and Rhode Island. Scattered thunderstorms, moving west to east, are expected to develop this afternoon, around 2pm, with a somewhat greater chance north and west of the Boston to Providence corridor. The storms could prove to be especially severe for western and central Massachusetts.

The main threats are damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours, which may lead to localized flooding, along with lightening and a chance of hail. The storms are expected to diminish by sundown, and the event should be over by 9pm.

We urge you to immediately take the following precautions:

• Have custodians check drains, grates, and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris. Check to see if sump pumps are working.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people or property.
• Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Shutter windows. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.

If outdoors, avoid the following:

• Natural lightning rods, such as tall, isolated trees in an open area.
• Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
• Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Anything metal, such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, golf clubs and bicycles.

After the storm, be sure to inspect basements and roofs for leaks and flooding. In addition, inspect the grounds for weak or damaged tree limbs and have these removed immediately.

Property Damage

If you experience property damage or injury as a result of the storm, report the claim immediately at 617-746-5743 and notify Ashly Patry (413-452-0513) and Russ Sprague (413-452-0695), or submit an online form at https://springfieldrisk.org/property-claim-report/. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.

May 25, 2023

One of our parishes was recently the target of a convincing fraud involving Eversource, their energy provider. A person purporting to represent Eversource called the parish, informing them that they were at risk of having their electricity shut off. The caller was extremely professional, even referencing a case number and past payments. When they explained that they required an immediate payment, the parish grew suspicious and contacted Eversource directly, who confirmed that it was a scam.

The scammer is betting on the chance that most business managers will simply pay the outstanding payment without investigation. In January, Eversource issued a warning to customers, as this type of scam has become increasingly common. They have a list of common scams to be mindful of on their website, as well as further information about preventative measures to take.

Common Types of Fraud

The nature of Eversource scams varies, but some of the more common ones include phishing (or “smishing”), or sending fake emails or text messages requesting personal information; overpayment claims, or scammers claiming that you overpaid your utility bill and request your personal bank account or credit card information to give you a refund; and requests for a deposit to exchange your utility meter scan (note: meters do not expire).

Some simple steps will prevent you from falling victim to this type of scam:

• Be mindful of requests for urgent or immediate payment. Your power will never be shut off quickly and without warning: customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice via the U.S. mail, which includes the actions they can take to maintain service. In winter, there’s even a moratorium on shutting off power in the state of Massachusetts. If the caller is requesting an immediate payment using a third-party service, at another location or via a prepaid debit card, hang up immediately and contact your provider.
• Prior to making any payment, confirm directly with the utility vendor. Do not simply issue payment; confirm directly over the phone or email with your regular contact. Do not accept offers from anyone to pay your bill or provide any other service for a fee. 
• Do not share financial information solicited over the phone. Verify your utility supplier and any contracts with your business manager, as well as the status of payments.

REMEMBER: STOP – CALL – CONFIRM 

If you have any questions, please contact us at madeline@ratiorisk.com.

February 24, 2023

TAKE ACTION NOW! A cold snap is expected this weekend, increasing the risk for losses from frozen pipe damage, a leading cause of loss and expense for us. From the last cold blast, we received 13 loss reports totaling over $500k.

At this time, we you to take immediate precautions to protect your buildings from potentially costly damages.

Single digit temperatures are expected this weekend, beginning late Friday night, when cold gusts will hit 30-40 mph at times, with wind chills falling through the single digits and as low as -6. Frigid temperatures continue through Saturday, with wind chill values as low as -8. Temperatures are expected to rebound by Sunday.

It’s imperative that you TAKE PRELIMINARY STEPS to prevent POTENTIAL LOSS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

• Considering the severity of this cold, keep thermostats set at 70°–72° F for the duration of this cold spell. This may temporarily increase your heating costs, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid more costly damage and inconvenience caused by frozen pipes.
• Maintenance personnel should check facilities, ESPECIALLY UNOCCUPIED BUILDINGS, in the morning and evening each day throughout the weekend. Check for frozen lines by making sure water is flowing in the faucets and toilets. If you believe a line is frozen, shut off the water supply until a plumber arrives.
• If you lose heat and are unable to restore heat, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes. This will prevent water from freezing and bursting the pipes. If you are unable to drain the pipes, open the taps a little to allow water to trickle out. If you choose this option, please monitor the taps on a regular basis.
• The plumbing and heating contractors’ contact information should be shared with the facilities staff and immediately available. For full a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.

Losses will increase insurance premiums for all locations. Please take action – frozen pipes can be prevented! 

SPACE HEATER SAFETY

During cold periods, it is tempting to use portable space heaters for extra warmth. PLEASE USE CAUTION. If using a space heater, inspect it for safety – make sure it is functioning properly and that the cords are not frayed. Only use a space heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over. DO NOT USE EXTENSION CORDS WITH PORTABLE HEATERS – PLUG THEM DIRECTLY INTO THE WALL OUTLET. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as paper, clothing, or furniture.

Reporting a Claim

If you experience property damage or injury because of the storm, report the claim immediately at 617-746-5743 and notify Ashly Patry (413-452-0513) and Russ Sprague (413- 452-0695), or submit an online form here. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.

February 3, 2023

TAKE ACTION NOW! A record-breaking cold snap is expected this weekend, increasing the risk for losses from frozen pipe damage, a leading cause of loss and expense for us. It’s imperative that you TAKE PRELIMINARY STEPS to prevent POTENTIAL LOSS.

Record low temperatures, possibly not seen since the 1950s, but certainly since 2015 – which was our worst winter for losses in our history – are expected beginning late Thursday or Friday and into Saturday morning. Sub-zero temperatures are expected in some areas as the “brutally cold” airmass arrives for a 36-hour period, with wind chill making it feel colder. Temperatures are expected to rebound by Sunday.

At this time, we you to take IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS to protect your buildings from potentially costly damages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

• Considering the severity of this cold, keep thermostats set at 70°–72° F for the duration of this cold spell. This may temporarily increase your heating costs, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid more costly damage and inconvenience caused by frozen pipes.
• Maintenance personnel should check facilities, ESPECIALLY UNOCCUPIED BUILDINGS, in the morning and evening each day throughout the weekend. Check for frozen lines by making sure water is flowing in the faucets and toilets. If you believe a line is frozen, shut off the water supply until a plumber arrives.
• If you lose heat and are unable to restore heat, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes. This will prevent water from freezing and bursting the pipes. If you are unable to drain the pipes, open the taps a little to allow water to trickle out. If you choose this option, please monitor the taps on a regular basis.
• The plumbing and heating contractors’ contact information should be shared with the facilities staff and immediately available. For full a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.

Losses will increase insurance premiums for all locations. Please take action – frozen pipes can be prevented!

SPACE HEATER SAFETY

During cold periods, it is tempting to use portable space heaters for extra warmth. PLEASE USE CAUTION. If using a space heater, inspect it for safety – make sure it is functioning properly and that the cords are not frayed. Only use a space heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over. DO NOT USE EXTENSION CORDS WITH PORTABLE HEATERS – PLUG THEM DIRECTLY INTO THE WALL OUTLET. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as paper, clothing, or furniture.

Reporting a Claim

If you experience property damage or injury because of the storm, report the claim immediately at 617-746-5743 and notify Ashly Patry (413-452-0513) and Russ Sprague (413- 452-0695), or submit an online form at https://springfieldrisk.org/property-claim-report/. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.

February 1, 2023

A record-breaking cold snap is expected this weekend, increasing the risk for losses from frozen pipe damage, a leading cause of loss and expense for us.

Record low temperatures, possibly not seen since the 1950s, but certainly since 2015 – which was our worst winter for losses in our history – are expected beginning late Thursday or Friday and into Saturday morning. Sub-zero temperatures are expected in some areas as the “brutally cold” airmass arrives for a 36-hour period, with wind chill making it feel colder. Temperatures are expected to rebound by Sunday.

At this time, we you to take immediate precautions to protect your buildings from potentially costly damages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

• Considering the severity of this cold, keep thermostats set at 70°–72° F for the duration of this cold spell. This may temporarily increase your heating costs, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid more costly damage and inconvenience caused by frozen pipes.
• Maintenance personnel should check facilities, ESPECIALLY UNOCCUPIED BUILDINGS, in the morning and evening each day throughout the weekend. Check for frozen lines by making sure water is flowing in the faucets and toilets. If you believe a line is frozen, shut off the water supply until a plumber arrives.
• If you lose heat and are unable to restore heat, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes. This will prevent water from freezing and bursting the pipes. If you are unable to drain the pipes, open the taps a little to allow water to trickle out. If you choose this option, please monitor the taps on a regular basis.
• The plumbing and heating contractors’ contact information should be shared with the facilities staff and immediately available. For full a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.

Losses will increase insurance premiums for all locations. Please take action – frozen pipes can be prevented!

SPACE HEATER SAFETY

During cold periods, it is tempting to use portable space heaters for extra warmth. PLEASE USE CAUTION. If using a space heater, inspect it for safety – make sure it is functioning properly and that the cords are not frayed. Only use a space heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over. DO NOT USE EXTENSION CORDS WITH PORTABLE HEATERS – PLUG THEM DIRECTLY INTO THE WALL OUTLET. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as paper, clothing, or furniture.

Reporting a Claim

If you experience property damage or injury because of the storm, report the claim immediately at 617-746-5743 and notify Ashly Patry (413-452-0513) and Russ Sprague (413- 452-0695), or submit an online form at https://springfieldrisk.org/property-claim-report/. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://springfieldrisk.org/vendors/.