HURRICANE WARNING EVACUATION INFORMATION

A hurricane warning is a warning that hurricane conditions including sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified area within 24 hours or less.

When a hurricane warning is issued, you must act swiftly to protect your property and reduce personal risk. Remember, most of New England's tropical storms and hurricanes accelerate as they approach, dramatically reducing your time to prepare. Never base your actions on the estimated time of landfall, for hazardous weather will often move in more than 2 hours prior to the time the eye of the storm makes landfall.

If you must evacuate, your National Weather Service urges you to follow these safety tips:

Before you leave your home

• Make sure that all family members not at home know where you will be staying.
• Move valuable items to higher points within your home or have a close friend or relative inland store them for you.
• Turn off all gas: Water and electrical services.
• Unplug all electrical items.
• Lock all windows and doors and wedge sliding glass doors to prevent them from lifting out of their tracks.
• If you have not done so already: Move all outdoor items including furniture, plants, and trash cans indoors.
• Pack enough clothes for all family members heading to the storm shelter.
• Bring along the important papers including insurance policies, inventory lists, and medical information.

Travel tips

• Do not drive farther than necessary.
• Take familiar routes: Especially if you are traveling at night.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
• Always leave before the onset of gale force winds and heavy rain. New England Hurricanes are often preceded by a false period of calm before conditions deteriorate rapidly. Do not be fooled.

Items to take to the shelter

• Take along blankets: Sleeping bags, pillows and towels.
• Take along any necessary medications as well as personal hygiene items including soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Remember that pets: Alcoholic beverages, and weapons are not allowed at evacuation shelters.

Following these actions will make this very stressful and difficult time go a bit more smoothly. Always keep updated on the latest statements during the storm, and be ready to evacuate immediately. The more you have prepared, the less time will be needed for you and your family to make the transition to the storm shelter.