New Englanders are no strangers to bad weather, but state and local officials are urging them to take precautions to make it through the possible effects of Hurricane Earl with the fewest problems.
After decades of hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms and no shortage of nor'easters, all of which have brought down trees and wires, shutting off heat, gas, electric, and even water and sewer facilities, most know the drill. But emergency officials on both sides of the state line have issued precautionary advise to residents.
Having normal emergency equipment on hand is recommended and includes a first-aid kit, fresh batteries, lanterns, flashlights and candles, a transistor radio, ice, coolers, stored or bottled water and a three-day supply of nonperishable food in case power is lost. Charging cell phones and filling vehicle gas tanks is also advised. Prepare for the needs of pets, service animals and livestock, as well.
Many towns are also posting their emergency information on local cable-access channels. Having personal evacuation plans and established places to meet should evacuation be required is also advised.
During high winds and gusts, even objects thought too heavy to become airborne can become projectiles that smash into windows, homes, businesses, cars and people, causing damage, injury or death.
Salisbury Selectman and insurance agency owner Don Beaulieu has seen it happen frequently.
"People need to go outside and really look around," Beaulieu said yesterday. "Anything that moves, that could become a flying object should come in. Things like barbecue grills and (propane) tanks, lawn and patio furniture, hanging plants and potted plants that aren't buried in the ground, kids' toys. If they can't be brought in, then they need to be tied down securely."
After February's windstorm, insurance agents in the region said they had never experienced more claims filed for damage. A lot of the damage, insurance experts said at the time, came from falling trees and branches, crushing cars, roofs, windows and other property.
"The best way people can prevent things falling on their cars is to look around when they park them," Beaulieu said. "Don't park your car under the big tree in the yard. Try to park or leave it somewhere in the open that has nothing around."
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