March 13, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect from this evening through Wednesday morning for northern Connecticut, eastern Massachusetts, southeastern Massachusetts, western Massachusetts, and northern Rhode Island. Heavy snow is possible, with total accumulations of 4 to 8 inches expected. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph.

In addition, a Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning for the eastern Massachusetts coast from the Merrimack River to Cape Cod. Up to one foot of inundation above ground level is possibly in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Flooding of up to one foot deep is possible and may affect more vulnerable shore roads, including Morrissey Boulevard in Boston.

Large waves may produce pockets of moderate flooding along the ocean shoreline in places such as Gloucester, Revere, Hull, and Scituate. Flooding could be 1 to 2 feet deep in some locations and debris could wash onto coastal roadways.

At this time, we urge you to make the following preliminary preparations:

• Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for wind damage. Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. Secure outdoor objectsthat could blow away or cause damage to people/property.
  Closely monitor NOAA weather radio or other local news outletsfor official storm information and changes to the forecast.
  Some trees in our area may be more susceptible to wind damage. Immediately inspect trees and bushes. Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
  Be prepared for potential power outagesas a result of downed power lines caused by storm activity. Have an emergency supply kit on hand, including water, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and non-perishable food.
  Check to see if sump pumps are working, and advise custodians to check all drains, grates and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris.

Snow on Roofs – Precautions to Take
If not cleared off, snow accumulations will add weight and stress to structures and contribute to leaky roofs once the snow begins to thaw. In many cases, roof ice dams can form, causing water build-up leading to interior damage. To minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow, please take into consideration the following tips:

• If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line.
• Try to avoid working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles and metal ladders.
• Remove snow in layers uniformly across the roof to prevent unbalanced loads that might cause collapse. Avoid making snow piles on the roof during the removal process.
• Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.
• Use care with snow removal equipment (shovels, ice spaces, snow blowers) to prevent roof cover damage. It is not necessary to clean completely down to the roof surface as long as melting snow and water can freely flow to the drains.
• Because snow is heavy and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery, all the above-mentioned actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

Property Damage
If you experience property damage, report the claim immediately at 617-746-5743 or via the online form at: https://rcabrisk.org/property-claim-report/. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/vendors/.

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://rcabrisk.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 as a result of the storm, report the claim immediately. Contact Alicia Gray at 781-664-3990, Alicia_gray@rcab.org. Again, for a full list of service vendors, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/vendors.

February 10, 2023

It has come to our attention that Christian congregations in Wayland, including one of our parishes, have been victims of mail and bank fraud. Thieves have been breaking into both church mailboxes and USPS blue boxes, stealing checks, and fraudulently cashing them at various banks. All parishes in the Archdiocese should be on alert.

We recommend that you communicate with your parishioners and ask them to do the following:

• Review their bank statements. If there are any recently-cashed checks intended for the parish, ask them to verify this information by reviewing their giving statement or contacting the parish directly.
• If they discover a discrepancy, ask them to notify their bank and the parish immediately.
• Encourage parishioners to utilize electronic giving in lieu of paper checks.

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://rcabrisk.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 as a result of the storm, report the claim immediately. Contact Alicia Gray at 781-664-3990, Alicia_gray@rcab.org. Again, for a full list of service vendors, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/vendors.

February 2, 2023

As parishes and archdiocesan groups are, once again, beginning to plan international travel and missions, the Office of Risk Management would like to remind them of certain steps and considerations to be mindful of during travel.

Office of Risk Management’s Recommendations

• The Office of Risk Management requires that all groups involved in chaperoning pilgrims keep up-to-date on the latest developments and check the U.S. State Department website for the latest travel advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

• Please note that travel with minors to a country or area with a Travel Advisory Level 3 or above is prohibited.
• Travel to a country or area with a Travel Advisory of Level 4 is not permitted.
• Parishes and schools that are planning international travel with students or volunteers should notify the Office of Risk Management prior to departure.
• Parishes should enroll in the State Dept STEP program when planning their travel: https://step.state.gov/step/
• In preparation for international travel, please review the international field trip guidelines. For more information, email doreen_rearden@rcab.org
• In addition, you may review our kidnap and ransom mitigation coverage. For more information, email doreen_rearden@rcab.org

General advice

During your free time in the country:

• Avoid areas that may have protest activities and areas with large crowds.
• Become familiar with the location and contact information for the U.S. Consulate and local emergency services.
• Always remain with your group or with at least two members of your group – never travel alone within the country.

Please contact the Office of Risk Management at 617-746-5742 or jfm@rcab.org if you have any questions.

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://rcabrisk.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 as a result of the storm, report the claim immediately. Contact Alicia Gray at 781-664-3990, Alicia_gray@rcab.org. Again, for a full list of service vendors, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/vendors.

A Nor’easter is a storm along the East Coast of North America, so called because the winds over the coastal area are typically from the northeast. These storms may occur at any time of year but are most frequent and most violent between September and April. Some well known Nor’easters include the New England Blizzard of February 1978 and the Boston snowstorms of January and February 2015. Past Nor’easters have been responsible for billions of dollars in damage, severe economic, transportation and human disruption, and in some cases, disastrous coastal flooding. Damage from the worst storms can exceed a billion dollars.

Precautions

• Check to see if sump pumps are working, and advise custodians to check all drains, grates and basins to ensure they are free of leaves and debris.
• Closely monitor NOAA weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information and changes to the forecast.
• Some trees in our area may be more susceptible to wind damage due to stress from drought conditions. Immediately inspect trees and bushes. Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Be prepared for potential power outages as a result of downed power lines caused by storm activity. Have an emergency supply kit on hand, including water, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and non-perishable food.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people/property.

Property Damage
If you experience property damage, immediately call the Office of Risk Management at 617-746-5743. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/vendor

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms, with whirling winds that can reach 300 mph. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Massachusetts residents have recently experienced the destruction of the Greater Springfield Tornado in June 1, 2011 which killed three, injured over 300 and destroyed or damaged over 1,400 homes and businesses. The infamous Worcester Tornado, which swept through Central Massachusetts in June 9, 1953, killed 94, seriously injured over 1,200 and over 4,300 homes and businesses destroyed or damaged.

Although tornadoes as severe as the Springfield and Worcester tornadoes are rare, they can and do happen here in Massachusetts. It is important that everyone familiarize themselves with what to look for and what steps to take if a tornado is forecast.

Tornado watches are issued for broad areas where conditions exist for the development of twisters, while tornado warnings are issued for highly localized areas where a tornado is imminent or has been detected on radar

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 caused damage, contact the Claims Manager immediately at 617-746-5743. If you have any questions, please call the Office of Risk Management at 617-746-5742.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout

conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

• Closely monitor NOAA weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information and changes to the forecast.
• Some trees in our area may be more susceptible to wind damage due to stress from drought conditions. Immediately inspect trees and bushes. Remove dead or rotting branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• Be prepared for potential power outages as a result of downed power lines caused by storm activity. Have an emergency supply kit on hand, including water, flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit and non-perishable food.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage to people/property.

Roofs

If not cleared off, snow accumulations will add weight and stress to structures and contribute to leaky roofs once the snow begins to thaw. In many cases, roof ice dams can form, causing water build-up leading to interior damage. To minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow, please take into consideration the following tips:

• If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line.
• Try to avoid working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles and metal ladders.
• Remove snow in layers uniformly across the roof to prevent unbalanced loads that might cause collapse. Avoid making snow piles on the roof during the removal process.
• Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.
• Use care with snow removal equipment (shovels, ice spaces, snow blowers) to prevent roof cover damage. It is not necessary to clean completely down to the roof surface as long as melting snow and water can freely flow to the drains.
• Because snow is heavy and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery, all of the abovementioned actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

 Property Damage
If you experience property damage, immediately call the Office of Risk Management at 617-746-5743. For a list of service vendors, go to: https://rcabrisk.org/vendors