WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. - -- More than 700,000 residents were left in the dark when a rare October Nor'easter
bombarded Massachusetts the night before Halloween. Despite depositing
an unusual winter wonderland scene, the storm's aftermath was anything but
pretty.
According to the weather squadron nearly a foot of heavy, wet snow upset
trees, downed power lines and created hazardous driving conditions statewide.
Without power many were unable to turn to the news or internet for updates.
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette took advantage of social media to keep
the city informed. Understanding the popularity of smart phones, he continued to update
his Facebook page as a way to disseminate the latest news. In return, Chicopee residents
posted information about downed trees, power lines and other potential hazards
which helped the city prioritize cleanup and power restoration. Westover's own Facebook page
was also updated as new information came in. With classes canceled and trick-or- treating postponed,
the community came together to ease the storm's burden.
Schools were turned into shelters, the YMCA opened its doors to offer hot
showers, and a local pizzeria donated dinner to those who were forced out of
their homes.
Westover's lodging office housed more than 500 displaced active duty, reservists,
civilians, retirees and their families during the week-long recovery process. Though
the phone lines were often busy, they worked hard to ensure that every call was taken and each message returned.
Reservists demonstrated great flexibilityduring the November UTA.
Understanding that both on- and off-base accommodations were tight, many were
faced with either rescheduling or staying in a double occupancy room. According to
the lodging office, nearly everyone opted make the best of the situation and share
their room.
After a June tornado, July microburst and August tropical storm and earthquake,
Westover and western Massachusetts residents came head to head with Mother
Nature yet again when the worst October storm in Massachusetts history blew in.
More than 3 million on the east coast were affected by the storm.
"Open lines of communication, team work and flexibility all played a role putting people back in their homes and making
the most out of the interim," said Col. Steven Vautrain, 439th Airlift Wing commander.