Community Corner

General: Hurricane 'Not a Question Of If, But When'

Mayor Joseph Polisena has been preparing the town's response to the storm and plans to announce efforts tomorrow morning.

Residents throughout the state should make preparations now for a serious storm as Hurricane Irene's impact is imminent, according to Rhode Island Emergency Management Director Kevin McBride.

"It's not a question of if but when," said McBride, adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard. "Rhode Island will see a major portion of the storm."

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena has been meeting with key staff members and has been taking part in state emergency management conference calls to coordinate the town's response. Polisena is expected to make an announcement regarding the town's plans Friday morning.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The latest forecast calls for heavy rain and windgusts to begin late Sunday morning, with the storm making landfall overnight near central Connecticut. That puts Rhode Island in the eastern wall of the storm, where the heaviest winds and storm surge can be expected. To make matters worse, high tide is scheduled for 8 p.m. Sunday, at a time when conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.

McBride emphasized the need for residents to take their own precautions to ensure they and their families remain safe, particularly those along the south coast where the storm surge is expected to be at its worst. He warned residents to prepare an emergency supply kit with food, water, clothing and medication so they are ready when and if the state issues an evacuation order. Gas tanks should also be filled in anticipation of a possible evacuation.

Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This is a threat. It's important that everyone take this storm very seriously," McBride said.

Everyone should complete their preparations before Saturday afternoon, McBride said, giving ample time to prepare before storm conditions begin Sunday. He said the EMA is coordinating closely with the governor's office, the Department of Transportation and municipal EMAs from throughout the state to monitor the storm's progress and implement a response plan soon after the storm hits.

The Rhode Island State Police plan to call in extra troopers for the weekend to help with emergency efforts, and state Department of Transportation workers are already standing by to begin cleanup efforts immediately after the storm passes, accoridng to DOT Director Michael Lewis.

Residents should be making their own plans now. While there is no need to panic when a hurricane watch or warning is issued, it is wise to take some basic precautions. Remember, it is possible that power may go out over an extended area for an extended period of time, so have enough food and water prepared to last at least a few days. Here are some more tips from the Rhode Island Department of Health on what to do before and after a tropical storm:

When a hurricane watch or warning is issued:

  • Store drinking water in clean jugs, bottles or in your bathtub. 
  • Store or secure lawn furniture and other outside objects that can be blown away or that might shatter windows. 
  • Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
  • Protect windows with shutters or precut plywood.
  • Clear the yard of debris that could become wind-blown missles.
  • Fill your car's gas tank. Review evacuation routes and gather emergency supplies you would need if you have to evacuate.
  • Clear storm drains in your neighborhood to help prevent flooding.
  • Evacuate safely, if ordered to do so.

After a hurricane:

  • If evacuated, return home only after officials say it is safe to do so.
  • Beware of downed or loose power lines. Report them immediately to the power company, police department or fire department.
  • Enter your home with caution.
    • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, quickly leave the building and leave the doors open. Call the gas company. (Do not use candles or open flames until you verify that it is safe.)
    • Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or frayed wires, turn off electricity at the main fuse box. If there is standing water around your electrical box, call an electrician.
    • If you suspect there is sewer or water line damage, call the water supplier.
    • If a Boil Water Advisory has been issued for your water system, do not drink or prepare food with tap water until notified it is safe to do so.
  • Clean and dry out your home if there has been flooding.
  • Check on neighbors, especially the elderly. Communication systems may be down, preventing someone from calling for help.
  • Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims and contact your insurance agent.

Continue checking back to JohnstonPatch for continuing updates as the occur.


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