Hurricane Guide

It has been a while since the last hurricane made it up to Southern New England. Hurricane Irene is tracking to be the first hurricane to travel towards this area in a number of years. A hurricane is a a tropical storm system with winds at a minimum of 74 miles per hour and is accompanied by heavy rains. It never hurts to be prepared in the instance of a hurricane, and at
Benny's we have you covered.

Heavy rains and winds can often lead to power outages and flooding. There are many items you should have in preparation for these instances. Many of the items we use in our homes are electricity dependent, and it is smart to have alternatives ready. Lanterns, flashlights and candles are always a great place to start. Old Fashioned corded telephones and portable radios will help you keep in touch and stay up to date on the latest news. Of course, you want to have plenty of batteries to power everything.

Now that you are home with no power, what will you do? How about some classic board games or breaking out a deck of cards. It is a great time to bond with your family over some games. It is a good idea to have some food around that house that does not need to be refrigerated. Bottled water, canned foods and snacks are standards. If you have a camping stove, a propane grill or a even a gas grill you can mix it up and create some great meals.

There are also a few things you can do to prepare your home for a hurricane. Putting storm or masking tape on your windows will help secure them from the heavy winds. Having a sump pump or a Shop Vac will help you deal with any flooding you may have. Be sure to secure your outdoor furniture or other things you may have laying around the yard with rope or bungee cords.

If you would like more information on Hurricane Irene, be sure to check your local news and favorite websites for the latest. You can also track the storm and learn more about hurricanes by visiting the National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.