Community Corner

Eye On Sandy: Storm Tips From Mass Emergency

From having cash on hand to trimming back branches, there are things you can do ahead of a dangerous storm.

 

With Hurricane Sandy following a track that could have a major impact on New England early next week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is recommending actions people can take to minimize the potential damage from this storm.

“Early planning and preparation can be the key to your safety,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz in a press release. “It is important to use your time wisely and not wait until the last minute to ensure your family’s safety.”

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Forecasters are saying it will be Monday before Sandy would impact New England, so you do have some time to handle these items over the weekend.

For up-to-the minute updates on Hurricane Sandy and more, follow Woburn Patch on Facebook and Twitter, or sign-up for our e-mail newsletter.

Here are some examples of steps you should be taking:

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  • Make sure you have a well-stocked Family Disaster Kit in the event you lose power or are isolated for a number of days.
  • Trim back trees and shrubbery around your home. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down, causing damage, during a storm.
  • Clear clogged rain gutters. This storm brings the potential for torrential rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding.
  • Bring in outdoor items such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile.
  • Make sure storage sheds, children’s playhouses or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
  • Elevate articles in your basement that could be damaged from even minor flooding.
  • Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking.
  • Keep your vehicles fully fuelled.
  • Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
  • Make a record of your personal property. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of a claim. Back it up with photographs or video.
  • Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people back up important documents online.
  • Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.
  • Lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tightly to help protect against strong winds and rain.
  • Boat owners who plan on taking their vessels out of the water soon should consider doing so this weekend.
  • Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA.  Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileappp.

Also, continue to follow MEMA updates on

Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA;
Facebook
 at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.


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