Residents Advised To Take Precautions Against Hurricane Irene

Serious storm likely to cause flooding and power outages across Providence.

Mayor Angel Taveras and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Peter T. Gaynor are advising Providence residents to prepare for the Sunday morning landfall of Hurricane Irene. Irene is a major storm with the potential to cause serious flooding, wind damage and extended power outages.

SPANISH TRANSLATION HERE/EN ESPANOL AQUI

The Mayor urges all residents to take the necessary steps to secure their property, prepare for the storm, and have on-hand necessary supplies to weather the storm and extended power outages.

Residents should prepare today by making sure they have plenty of bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, a hand crank radio, medications, pet food, and other essential items (see below for more information). Residents should be prepared by Saturday night.

FLOODING
Rain will begin in the area on Saturday night, and high winds and torrential rain will arrive Sunday morning. Current forecasts predict that Irene will be a Category 1 or 2 Hurricane when it makes landfall in Rhode Island, with sustained winds of 45 to 75 miles per hour. We expect 5-10 inches of rain depending on how the storm tracks.

City officials are concerned about flooding from the storm surge. Storm arrival corresponds with very high tides already increased because of the phase of the moon. City officials are carefully evaluating the track of the storm and will keep residents in affected areas updated over the next 24 hours. Evacuations are possible in flood-prone areas. Residents should follow news closely and be prepared to receive instructions from PEMA about possible evacuations.

WIND
Expect high winds. There is a risk of tornado. Property owners must take precautions in advance of this storm. Secure lawn furniture, trash cans and other outdoor items. Clean up yard debris and look for objects that could become dangerous projectiles if airborne.

The Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island has helpful hints to help property owners prepare for a storm, protect one's home and property, and provide instructions for reporting your loss should one occur. We strongly encourage all property owners to review this check list: http://cityof.providenceri.com/PEMA/an-insurers-guide-to-protecting-your...

SHELTERS
The City currently plans to open two shelters should the need arise, beginning on Sunday morning. They are:

FOR INDIVIDUALS:
Providence Career & Technical Academy
41 Fricker Street, Providence, RI

FOR PETS ONLY:
Neutaconkanut Recreation Center
675 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909

The Department of Public Works has stockpiled sandbags and crews are checking storm drains to ensure that they are clear of debris.

PEMA will also have sandbags available beginning on Saturday at 10AM at the Emergency Operations Center on 591 Charles Street.

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. It is expected that the barrier will be closed on Saturday in advance of the storm.

In the event of an imminent threat, PEMA also has the ability to activate its Reverse 911 system to quickly contact residents by phone and inform them of the steps they should take.

TRASH
TRASH PICK UP WILL BE DELAYED ONE DAY. RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT PUT CANS OR BINS OUTSIDE ON SUNDAY NIGHT.

To help prevent flooding, residents should also pick up litter near and around their homes that might be washed away and clog roadside drains.

SCHOOLS
City and school officials are monitoring the storm closely to determine if storm effects may affect the opening of schools. Updates will be provided as necessary.

WHAT TO DO NOW
The City will continue to update residents over the next 24 hours.

Residents are encouraged to monitor news broadcasts for up-to-date storm information, and to take the following steps to ensure they are prepared for the first 72 hours:

Create an emergency kit

• 72-hour supply of water (at least 3 gallons per person for drinking and sanitation) and non-perishable food
• First Aid kit
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight and plenty of batteries (avoid using candles)
• A supply of essential medicines
• Warm blanket or sleeping bag for each person
• Extra clothing
• Gas in cars
• Cash for emergencies
• Pet food
• Books, puzzles, games or other activities for children

Create a family plan

• Make sure everyone knows where to find the emergency supply kit
• Determine the best escape route for your home
• Plan where to meet if family members are separated or if your home becomes unsafe
• Designate an out-of-area person as the contact person for and family members
• Duplicate important documents like insurance information and social security cards and keep them off site

Residents with questions can call 401-421-2489.