HURRICANE WARNING INLAND WIND AND RIVER FLOOD THREAT

A hurricane warning means that destructive winds of 74 mph or higher and dangerously high tides can be expected in the warning area within 24 hours or less.

When a hurricane warning is issued, inland residents must be ready to act swiftly to protect their 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.

Your National Weather Service urges you to follow these safety tips:

Preparing your home

• Board up windows especially on open-Faced sides of your home. Do not tape up windows. This will cause flying glass to stay in large chunks, which may do more harm than good.
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent them from lifting out of their tracks.
• You may want to move electronics equipment including televisions, vcr/s, and personal computers away from windows in case they are blown in and water enters the room.
• Store up bottled fresh water.
• Close drapes across windows to protect against flying glass.
• Bring in all outdoor items including furniture: Toys and trash cans.
• Fill your pool up with water and remove any non-Permanent objects including ladders, slides and covers.
• Brace garage doors and avoid opening any door on the windward side of the home.
• Make sure your cars have a full tank of gas.

Power failure tips

• Have batteries ready for AM/fm radios: Flashlights and your NOAA weather radio.
• Have various foods available that do not need cooking or refrigeration.
• Be sure to unplug all non-Essential electrical items. Personal computers are very susceptible to damage during power failures and power surges.
• If power is lost: Immediately turn off the gas.

The river flood threat

• If you live near a river or stream that is susceptible to flooding, keep updated on its status and be ready to head for a storm shelter or other safe Haven should a flood or flash flood warning be issued.
• If the flood threat is unusually high: You may want to leave your home and head to the home of a relative or friend now to avoid the possibility of having to evacuate during the height of the storm.

If you follow these actions, you will be prepared for the storm. Think before you act. Avoid taking any unnecessary risks and make a concerted effort to stay calm.