New England Hurricane Safety Tips

A true hurricane is an intense tropical weather system. Hurricane winds can reach higher than 75 miles per hour. Informed, prepared residents can take defensive action that will keep them safer from injury and prevent major property damage.

Hurricane Season
Hurricanes can develop in the Atlantic as early as June and form into November. Peak hurricane season for New England exists from mid-August through mid-September.

Notifications
Notification of impending bad weather will be passed on by the National Weather Service and ordinarily relayed by local TV news and The Weather Channel. For earliest notification of bad weather, residents should purchase a weather alert radio which can be activated by the National Weather Service. These radios are inexpensive and available at stores such as Radio Shack. The radio will turn on when the warning is passed and keep you informed of the storm’s progress.

Preparation Before Hurricane Season

• Check flashlights, battery powered radios, and emergency equipment.
• Check supplies of non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Check your insurance policy (get flood insurance if you might need it. It normally takes 30 days to get flood insurance in effect).
• Clear rain gutters and downspouts.
• If you are on or near a coastline, learn safe routes inland.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.
• Learn the location of local shelters (we use the Ledyard High School).
• Store materials such as plywood needed to secure your home.

During the Storm (in a WATCH Area)

• Check batteries, stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, medications.
• Inspect/secure mobile home tie-downs.
• Keep extra supply of cash on hand.
• Keep family vehicles fueled and serviced.
• Listen to radio or TV frequently for official bulletins of the storm's progress.
• Prepare to bring lawn furniture, garbage cans, garden tools, loose lightweight objects inside.
• Prepare to cover all windows/door openings with shutters or other shielding.