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Committee receives memo laying out downed-wire response: 311/SFD to notify Eversource for electrical hazards
Summary
A memo attached to the agenda summarized Somerville's protocol for downed wires: callers should report through 311 or 911 so the Somerville Fire Department can assess and, if electrical, notify Eversource. The committee accepted the memorandum and recorded the item as complete.
The Public Utility & Public Works Committee reviewed a memo attached to the May 20 agenda that summarizes Somerville's protocol for handling reports of downed wires.
Committee members and staff said the memo outlines that residents should call 311 or 911 for reports, that Somerville Fire Department (SFD) will respond or be routed the report from 311, and that the city will notify Eversource when a wire is electrical. The memo also noted that if a wire is communications-only (non-electrical), the responding staff will attempt to identify the responsible contractor.
"Some of the fire department responds to all down wire reports, whether those calls are made directly to SFD, Fire alarm 911 or 311," a committee member read into the record. "When a call is made to 311 staff will connect the caller with SFD fire alarm line. If electrical, Eversource is notified to respond, since there is only one electrical provider in the city."
Councilors said the memo clarifies previous constituent confusion about whether 311 was expected to stay open and whether callers were being redirected to private utilities. The committee accepted the memo as placed on file and marked the item work complete; staff will maintain the procedures and answer follow-up inquiries if the issue resurfaces.
