Patch Picks: Preparing for Hurricane Irene

Hurrican Irene is a potentially Category 3 hurricane, one of the worst coming through New England in recent history.

How can you prepare? This week, Shrewsbury Patch gives you the best picks for the weekend to help you prepare:

• Make an emergency supply kit with: water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation), food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food), Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, dust mask (to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place), moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, can opener for food (if kit contains canned food), local maps, cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.
• Other items to consider adding as well: prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water for your pet, cash or traveler's checks and change important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container, sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate, fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container feminine supplies and personal hygiene items, mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, Paper and pencil, books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
• Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency. You should also consider: an evacuation plan.
• Prepare your home by: covering all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds, plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down, keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant, secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside, turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed, turn off propane tanks, install a generator for emergencies, reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage, ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets, and fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
• Important numbers for emergencies:

1. The : 508-841-8577

2. The : 508-841-8522

3. The : 508-841-8422

Stay with Shrewsbury Patch for the latest on the hurricane.

Information courtesy of the government's website.