The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers tips on how to prepare for Hurricane Sandy and other tropical storms. Sandy is expected to be especially disastrous when it merges with a winter storm system, bringing powerful winds, rain, snow and storm surge along the Eastern Seaboard. Gov. John Lynch's administration has also issued some warnings, included below.
Before the hurricane
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
Clear clogged rain gutters.
Secure all outdoor furniture, Halloween decorations, trash cans and anything else that could blow away.
Install a generator for emergencies. Operate only in well-ventilated areas to avoid the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
During the hurricane
Listen to the radio or TV for information. Residents and visitors should be prepared to follow the instructions of local officials if evacuation orders are issued.
Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off propane tanks.
Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Don't drive on flooded roadways.
Stay away from downed utility wires and assume they are live.
If evacuating, bring
Credit card information
Social Security cards
The N.H. Department of Health and Human services released the following information regarding food storage.
“As important as it is to have enough food and water on hand for your family in case you lose power, is to make sure you keep the food safe to avoid the potential for food-borne illness,” said New Hampshire’s Public Health Director Dr. José Montero. “Food safety is always a big concern when the power is off for an extended period of time. We would advise people to take extra care when determining if their food should be saved or thrown out. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if it has been contaminated with dangerous bacteria. We would advise people if they have any doubt to throw it out.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends taking the following steps during and after a weather emergency:
· Never taste food to determine if it is safe
· Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature
· The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed
· Food can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below
· Get block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for an extended period of time
· Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power.