‘Unprecedented’: North Attleboro drying out after 200 homes damaged by flash flooding
North Attleboro declared a state of emergency on Monday night after a storm inundated the region with significant flash flooding, damaging about 200 homes and leaving many roads impassable, town officials said.
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Town Manager Michael Borg said he made the decision to declare a state of emergency as police officers and firefighters scrambled to respond to more than 150 service calls for flooding and other water-related issues in just a matter of a few hours.
“This is about how it was,” homeowner Sean Pope told Boston 25 News as he pointed out a waterline mark about three feet up the wall.
The water is still too high. The Pope family is one of 200 homes in North Attleboro dealing with flood damage.
“Everything was immersed. The washer, the dryer, the boiler, the hot water tank, all of our furniture on the finished side, the electric fireplace, the T.V. It’s bad,” said Pope.
Significant flooding closed Hoppin Hill Avenue between Oak Knoll Drive to Allen Avenue and Old Post Road was also closed between Allen Avenue and Mount Hope Street, according to Borg.
Tuesday, the town put out an advisory about potentially contaminated standing water from compromised sewer systems on North Avenue, Maple Street, Smith Street and Mount Hope Streets.
“Making sandbags and gearing up for our next storm, which is some rain tomorrow and then more during the weekend,” said Mark Hollowell, North Attleboro director of public works.
Borg said the storm damage is of major concern, especially with a hurricane in the forecast.
“We are continuing to monitor the weather and we do acknowledge that there is a hurricane coming, so we have our eye on that as well,” Borg said at a news conference. “We know there is rain in the forecast for tomorrow and this weekend as well.”
The flash flooding event brought about five inches of rain in a span of about four hours, according to Borg.
North Attleboro Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman called the storm one of the most severe weather events that he’s ever seen in his 26-year career.
When asked if there were any injuries or hospitalizations, Coleman announced that one firefighter was hurt.
“So, no civilian injuries. We did have a firefighter injured. He’s stable,” Coleman explained.
At least a dozen people were rescued from stranded vehicles and homes in the town, officials said. There were also about 1,500 residents without power Monday night.
“We are drying out. I will be here regardless because have the generator going with four pumps,” said Pope.
Peter Schiffman, general manager of the North Attleboro Electric Department, called the flash flooding event “unprecedented.”
Twenty area communities assisted North Attleboro crews in Monday’s emergency response.
Schools in town opened as usual on Tuesday morning.
Gov. Maura Healey was planning to tour the damage.
Borg and Coleman provided the following tips for residents whose homes were damaged:
Never touch electrical equipment while you are wet or standing in water. Consider hiring a qualified electrician to assess damage to electrical systems.
Have damaged septic tanks or leaching systems repaired as soon as possible to reduce potential health hazards. If your home or property is damaged, take photos or videos to document your damage, and contact your insurance company.
Avoid entering moving or standing floodwaters. Floodwater and mud may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
Clean and disinfect anything that got wet. Take precautions. Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and face masks.
Flooded floors and walls should be washed with a solution of two capfuls of household bleach for each gallon of water.
Carpeting, mattresses, and upholstered furniture should be disposed of or disinfected by a professional cleaner.
Remove and replace any drywall or other paneling that has been underwater. Use a moisture meter to make sure that wooden studs and framing are dry before replacing the drywall. Mold growth in hidden places is a significant health hazard.
Consider using professional cleaning and repair services before attempting to repair flood-damaged property.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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