HURRICANE WATCH COASTAL RESIDENCE SAFETY

A hurricane watch is a statement indicating that hurricane conditions including sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane may affect a specified area within 24 to 36 hours.

When a hurricane watch is issued, consider the need to evacuate. Always build in extra time. New England hurricanes often accelerate up the coast drastically reducing your time to take action.

If you decide to evacuate, your National Weather Service urges you to consider the following items:

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 consider taking to a 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.