BELOW IS THE LATEST INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE TOWN OF NORTH READING regarding the Columbia Gas-related explosions and fires in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.

POSTED ON: SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 – 1:45PM

NORTH READING — Town of North Reading officials continue to monitor the Columbia Gas situation in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. 

North Reading’s natural gas utility, National Grid, informs the town that North Reading is served by a separate distribution system and there is no indication of a threat to North Reading.

“COMFORT CENTERS” NOT NEEDED HERE

Municipal and school officials extended offers of assistance to neighboring communities yesterday afternoon, evening, and again this morning.  These offers included hosting a comfort station or shelter in North Reading, which as of this morning has not been necessary. 

POLICE & FIRE MUTUAL AID

As of 1:45 p.m. Friday, September 14, North Reading has provided the following public safety mutual aid assistance:

  • Two engines and one ladder assisting Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover at various times.
  • One Police Sergeant responding as part of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) response Thursday evening.
  • One Police Sergeant and two Police Officers assisting in field operations Friday, September 14

BACK-UP GENERATORS ARE DIESEL-POWERED

Additionally, North Reading DPW staff were in touch with Andover DPW staff last night and again this morning regarding the water supply.  

Andover’s water treatment plant, which provides 60 percent of North Reading’s water on an annual basis, remains up and running on electric power.  In the event of an electrical outage, the plant has diesel backup generators.  Despite the firefighting efforts in Andover last night, North Reading’s water tanks remained full.

BE AWARE OF INCREASED LOCAL TRAFFIC

North Reading saw increased traffic due to road closures in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover last night, and this may continue until roads are reopened in those communities.

MAIL DELIVERY—

ANDOVER POSTAL CUSTOMERS may retrieve mail in North Reading

According to an advisory issued by Steve Doherty, U.S. Postal Service Corporate Communications Director for the Greater Boston and Northern New England Districts, the ANDOVER POST OFFICE IS CLOSED and will remain closed until the all clear is given by local utility companies.

HOWEVER, Andover Post Office Box customers and those whose mail is undeliverable due to the evacuations can retrieve their mail at the U.S. POST OFFICE TRAINING FACILITY, 74 MAIN ST. (ROUTE 28) IN NORTH READING, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Customers should bring proper identification when claiming mail.

Street delivery will continue to those Andover neighborhoods not evacuated and accessible.

NORTH ANDOVER POST OFFICE

The North Andover Post Office is closed and will remain closed until the all clear is given by local utility companies. Post Office box customers and those whose mail is undeliverable due to the evacuations can retrieve their mail at the Lawrence Post Office at 431 Common St., Lawrence, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Customers should bring proper identification when claiming mail.

Street delivery will continue to those North Andover neighborhoods not evacuated and accessible.

LAWRENCE POST OFFICE

The Lawrence Post Office is open for Post Office Box customers and full retail services.

There will be no street delivery in South Lawrence due to mandatory evacuations. Customers affected can retrieve their mail at the Lawrence Post Office at 431 Common St., Lawrence, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Street delivery will continue to those Lawrence neighborhoods not evacuated and accessible.

BLUE MAIL COLLECTION BOXES

Blue mail collection boxes in those areas under mandatory evacuation will not be collected until those neighborhoods are cleared by local utilities. 

Full delivery and retail services in all areas will resume as soon as officials deem it is safe to do so.