SALEM — Residents addressing flooding of 6 inches or more of water inside their homes from Saturday’s devastating storm can call 978-744-1234 to join a list of properties to be pumped out by firefighters this weekend.
The city’s Public Works and Fire departments will begin pumping out properties at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14.
Pumping must wait in some areas given the flooding that still exists. In other parts of impacted areas, crews were working on the first steps of debris removal Saturday night.
The Willows neighborhood is completely closed to all non-residential traffic, which came as many flocked to the Willows to sight-see and get photos of the damage. Speaking Saturday night, Mayor Dominick Pangallo said the roads aren’t safe and should be avoided if possible, in part because they were underwater and may be compromised.
“There’s always a concern that those are the conditions that might lead to a sinkhole or collapse,” Pangallo said. “Until the water recedes and there’s an opportunity for engineers or Public Works to get eyes on what’s there, it’s best to avoid it.”
More information is expected soon on how residents outside of affected areas can help those impacted. For the time being, Pangallo directed donation efforts to the Salem Relief Fund at salemma.gov/relief.