As Hurricane Irene approaches from the south, Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management Director Tim Pellerin said his office continues to monitor the situation hour by hour and advised people to remain alert throughout the weekend.
As of a 3:30 p.m. posting, Hurricane Irene is forecast to arrive in Maine Sunday afternoon and last well into Monday.
“People need to be prepared,” Pellerin said. “We are urging people please do take this seriously. We are taking this seriously.”
Before the storm arrives, Pellerin advised Lincoln County residents should be prepared to be without power for three to five days, obtain any medications they are going to need ahead of time, obtain supplies of potable water and dry goods, and compile a list of contact phone numbers for families and friends outside the affected storm area.
If significant winds and rainfall arrive as expected, Pellerin said Lincoln County could see extensive damage from downed trees, power lines, and flooding.
In a conference call press conference this morning, National Hurricane Center Director Bill Reed said forecasters are relatively confident of the storm’s track through Saturday morning.
What is unknown at this time is whether Irene will remain a hurricane or have downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reaches Maine.
In any case, a dangerous storm surge and tropical force wind and rain can be expected over a wide area, Reed said.
On the Maine Emergency Management Agency website, MEMA Director Rob McAleer, also recommends Mainers plan ahead.
“Be prepared, and ‘stay tuned'” Mcleer said. “Irene could bring heavy rains, high winds, storm surge or any combination of those things. Pay close attention to weather forecasts, and start now to think about your personal emergency plans. You want to give yourself enough time to take care of your home, business or boat before the storm arrives.”
Prepare ahead of time
Lincoln County’s Emergency Management Agency issued the following review of key information on hurricane preparedness, 72-hour disaster kits and hurricane warnings. Hurricanes that approach New England can speed up dramatically, making it essential to be prepared.
The Lincoln County Emergency Management recommends residents start preparing three days before the storm is scheduled to hit.
Residents are advised to check their disaster supply kit, or assemble one if they have not already done so.
A disaster supply kit for people considering sheltering at home during the storm should include the following:
• Three day supply of non-perishable foods, foods that do not require cooking. Do not forget infant formula and food.
• One gallon of water per person in the household for up to 72 hours.
• Battery or crank powered radio and flashlights, extra batteries.
• First Aid kit, along with medications and medical equipment for family members stocked to last through the 72 hour suggested time frame.
• A landline or plug in telephone that works without electricity.
• A way to keep warm and dry; extra blankets and dry clothes stored in a water safe container such as a plastic bin.
• Plan for pets including water and food supplies for up to 72 hours.
• Comfort items, such as a book, board games, etc.
• Use extreme caution with portable generators, always operate to manufacturer standards.
• If using a camping cook stove or grill, operate outside where the unit was intended to be used, so there is adequate ventilation.
Remember to fill vehicles with gasoline. Secure all outside furniture or other objects that could be caught by the wind. Board up exposed windows, or tape them to reduce the potential for shattering glass.
If an evacuation is recommended, predetermine a route to the nearest shelter, have two evacuation routes that are not subject to flooding. Consider asking a friend or relative out of the affected area to be at a point of contact.
In the event of an evacuation, call the contact person and they will alert other friends and family. This detail is key for the wellbeing of friends, family and extended family that could be worrying.
Residents are strongly advised to stay away from the water. As the storm approaches, people are sometimes tempted to go to the beach to see the waves. This is dangerous. The combination of strong winds and powerful surf can lead to any type of injury or even death.
Hurricane advisories are issued at six hour intervals at midnight, 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. Bulletins provide additional information. Each message gives the name, eye position, intensity and forecast movement of the storm.
A hurricane watch is an alert added to a hurricane advisory covering a specific area and duration. A watch means that hurricane conditions are a real possibility; it does not mean they are definitely going to happen. When a watch is issued, everyone in the area covered by the watch should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act quickly if a hurricane warning is issued.
When a hurricane warning is issued it is an alert added to an advisory when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Hurricane warnings identify coastal areas where winds of at least 74 miles per hour are expected. A warning may also describe coastal areas where dangerously high water or exceptionally high waves are forecasted, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
For more information, contact the local Emergency Management Director or the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management at 882-7559.
For more information online refer to NOAA http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepare.shtml or the Maine Emergency Management Agency: sign up for e-mail weather alerts for your county, and other emergency news.