Providence Residents Advised to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

Heavy rain and high winds on Monday night and Tuesday could cause damage, flooding.

Mayor Angel Taveras and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Peter T. Gaynor are advising Providence residents to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy early next week.

Although the storm is expected to lessen in intensity as it approaches New England on Tuesday, remnants from Sandy could bring strong, damaging winds of 60 to 80 miles per hour and heavy, extended rain that could cause significant flooding.

Weather forecasts are ongoing and Sandy's track may change over the next 72 hours, however the potential impacts from this storm are likely to include downed trees, power outages, coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Decisions regarding school closures, parking bans and changes to scheduled trash pickup will be announced in the coming days.

The City of Providence will provide regular updates to the public through the news media. Updates will also be posted on social media. Follow these accounts for the most current information:

• Twitter hashtag: #PVDsandy
• Mayor Taveras' Facebook: www.facebook.com/angeltaveras.official
• Mayor Taveras' Twitter: @Angel_Taveras
• PEMA Twitter: @PEMA591

The Department of Public Works will be checking storm drains to ensure that they are clear of debris. Residents are asked to please assist the Public Works Department by ensuring leaves and debris are cleared from street drains and catch basins in front of their homes and on corners, as significant rain and local flooding is likely.

Beginning 8:30AM on Monday, sand piles will be available at PEMA headquarters at 591 Charles Street and in the parking lot of Hopkins Park at 91 Admiral Street for Providence residents who need to make sandbags.

Officials will also closely monitor areas prone to flooding and work closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency responsible for operating the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.

Mariners are advised to avoid any activity on the water, as offshore rip currents and strong seas are expected.

Residents are advised to take the following precautions to prepare for the storm:

• Secure lawn furniture and outdoor decorations, including Halloween decorations.
• Store trash cans in a garage, if you have one, or secure them in your yard.
• Take down any campaign yard signs and anything else that can be sent airborne in heavy winds.
• Clear any debris from street drains and catch basins in front of your home.
• Make sure your vehicle has enough gas in the event of power outages that could close gas stations.
• Assemble an emergency kit with a 72-hour supply of water, a First Aid kit, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, warm blankets or sleeping bags, extra clothing, pet food and books, puzzles, games and other activities for children.
• Be prepared with working flashlights, a battery operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. The Providence Emergency Management Agency, public utilities and other emergency response agencies will provide regular updates to the news media regarding power outages, street closures and other vital information.
• Never touch downed power lines. It is safer to assume that all fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see a downed power line, report it immediately to National Grid or PEMA.
• Do not operate generators indoors.
• Do not operate grills indoors.