Politics & Government

Here's Your Hurricane Irene Checklist

With a storm like this on the way, more than milk, bread and batteries should be on the shopping list, experts say. Here's what recommended to last 3-7 days without power.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast shows that Hurricane Irene is likely to hit Rhode Island between late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

How You Can Prepare

  • Visit the Town of Middletown website regularly for important announcements and to check for potential evacuation instructions.
  • Sign up for CodeRED to receive automatic emergency voice messages by phone.
  • Is your home within a flood zone? If so, plan your evacuation now and be sure to include plans for pets. View and print the town's Flood Zone Map available on the town website and from the image gallery above.
  • Sandbags and sand are available at the Middletown Public Works, but supplies are limited. Call the Public Works office at 401-846-2119 to see if they are still available before leaving your home. If the sandbags are still available, residents should bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags.
  • Residents with special needs and disabilities are encouraged to join the online registry that will share their information with emergency workers.
  • Follow the Potter League for Animal's guidelines to keep pets and animals safe during natural disasters and how to prepare pets for an evacuation.
  • Prepare you home, residence and property by identifying and removing hazards indoors and outdoors ahead of time.
  • View and print the Middletown Emergency Management guides available on the town website and from the image gallery above.
  • Click on the "Keep me posted" button below to receive automated email updates for important announcements and updates about Hurricane Irene.

Hurricane Supplies

Be sure to have enough food and water for 3 to 7 days per person in each household and prepare a Hurricane Kit to have key items ready to move with you in the event of an evacuation, according to these guidelines.

Local emergency management officials are recommending that residents follow the National Weather Service's hurricane preparedness plan, which includes packing up water, food, batteries and more just to prepare for any disaster:

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

Water - At least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - At least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools/fuel
— paper plates/plastic utensils

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

Blankets/Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes

Flashlight/Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification/immunization records/medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

Print out a hurricane preparedness checklist before hitting the stores.


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