Massachuetts State Police: Safety Tips for Hurricane Irene

The Massachusetts State Police urge citizens of the Commonwealth to follow several basic safety tips during the upcoming storm.

• Residents should be indoors in a secured location by late Saturday evening. While the storm is not expected to begin in earnest until Sunday morning, with the most intense hours expected Sunday afternoon, the possibility exists that its pace could accelerate.
• Residents are urged to stay off the roads Sunday. Heavy rains and heavy winds, with the probability of hurricane-force gusts and the possibility of sustained hurricane-force winds, are expected. The wind and rain will make driving hazardous.
• Any visitors leaving Massachusetts by car are urged to do so as soon as possible, and if at all possible not wait until Saturday night to do so.
• Anyone coming across downed wires or utility poles should, of course, avoid contact with them.
• Anyone having to drive during the storm (which we strongly recommend against) should avoid driving through deep or standing water. Do not drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the wheel rims.
• Residents should have several days of supplies of potable water and non-perishable food in case of prolonged power outages, which are a possibility.
• Residents should have a flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Please check on elderly or shut-in neighbors if possible.
• Anyone in trouble may call 911 on a cell phone to immediately be connected to a State Police dispatch center.