Hurricane Irene Path is headed to Massachusetts - How to Prepare

 

Hurricane Irene Heads to Massachusetts

Well, the storm track has firmed up over the last couple of days, and Mass is right in the path of Hurricane Irene. I noted that the Hurricane path looks a lot like Hurricane Gloria, which had the rather dubious distinction of having the eye pass directly over my home in Southborough, which is a unique experience.

 

Hopefully, Irene will weaken substantially as it works it's way up the coast, and as it's already considerably smaller than Gloria, do not much more than get us good and soaked as it goes by. But you can never tell for sure, so here are some links to some Hurricane preparedness websites.

 

Be Prepared for a Hurricane

 

Notices:

Massachusetts Department of Public Safety, with notes on weather, traffic reports, and other important notices, should they become necessary.

 

Weather Reports from Weather Underground

 

Preparedness:

From NOAA:

 

Thoughts about preparedness:

Some Hurricanes bring wind, some bring rain, and some bring both.

A) Clean your Gutters and make sure they are working properly. This is a great time to add extra extensions to your gutters, and get the rain as far away from your foundation as possible.

B) Check your patios and lawns for any dangerous objects that need to be tied down or removed from the weather. Including: Umbrellas, Lawn furniture, Swing sets, Screen Doors (make sure they close tight and can't be opened by the wind), Shutters, Toys, anything and anything that might fly around with 60-90 mph winds! Those object can become projectiles in a windy storm.

C) Check your neighbors too and remind them - their items might be your problem!

D) Move cars and other objects out from under trees/limbs and the like.

E) Be prepared for a loss of power. Hurricane Gloria knocked out power for 250,000 people. Get coolers with ice for temporary storage of items so you can keep your fridge and freezer closed.

F) Test your sump pump. Make sure the outlet hose is clear.

G) If you're in an area where the roads flood easily, consider going somewhere else. If the roads flood, you could be stuck.

H) Make sure cell phones and other battery devices are fully charged as the storm gears up, and if you lose power, use them sparingly.

G) If your basement has flooded before, and you have pumps, check to make sure they are working and set up.

 

 

 

Do Good Things Today!

Matt Heisler