We are all watching closely as hurricane Irene continues to track north towards New England. A Hurricane watch has been issued for the Carolina cost line as this slow moving storm makes its way toward the eastern seaboard. It is being forecast that the storm with hit the New England area Sunday night into Monday. Most insurance companies will be issuing a hold on binding new Property Insurance coverage leading up to the storm. If you are expecting to obtain a new homeowners policy or commercial property insurance within the next week, please call your agent to discuss.
There are a few reasons why the experts are watching this storm particularly close. First it is unusually large with hurricane force winds of 74 miles per hour that extend 70 miles from its center, and tropical-storm force winds of 35 miles per hour extending 255 miles in all directions. It is also very slow moving. This storm is moving at an average of 12 miles per hour, while similar storms this size in the past have traveled 30 to 40 miles per hour. Both of these factors could increase damage done to the US coastline by exposing it to large amounts of wind and rain for an extended duration.
Power outages and down trees are likely in the Massachusetts area, with the possibility of evacuations. Massachusetts Emergency management Agency has issued a Disaster preparedness plan with a list of supplies that every family should have on hand.
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Canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking
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Manual can opener
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Bottled water (1 gallon per person/per day)
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Prescription medication
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Extra eyeglasses
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Pet food/supplies
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Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
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Infant care items
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First aid supplies
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Masking and duct tape
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Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries
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Battery operated radio, with extra batteries
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Watch or battery operated clock
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Ice chest
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Matches
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cash
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Important documents (Such as wills, deeds, prescriptions, passports, birth certificates, health record, proof of address, Social Security number)
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Plastic trash bags
To read the full list as well as the full hurricane disaster preparedness plan visit MEMA website.