HURRICANE IRENE - BE PREPARED!

As Hurricane Irene approaches New Jersey, here is a list of tips and important links in hurricane preparedness!

If you haven’t already, stock your home with supplies that you may need for a few days such as:

-3-5 day supply of non-perishable food that doesn’t have to be cooked, drinking water, baby and pet supplies
-prescription medicine
-a first aid kit
-battery operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries
-toilet paper
-paper towels
-plastic garbage bags (for garbage or to cover a broken window)
-paper plates and cups
-hand operated can opener
-disposable cleaning cloths (baby wipes) for the whole family
-3-5 day supply of clean water for washing or toilet flushing. You can use clean containers or fill your bathtub with water.

Have cash on hand. ATM machines will not work if there is no electricity.

Fill your car’s gas tank.

Charge your cell phone! You may want to buy a car charger for your phone and laptop if you don’t already have one.

Do the laundry! This way you will have clean clothes in case the electricity goes out.

Secure or bring in loose items around your home such as garbage cans, bikes, grills, planters, door wreaths, decorations, patio furniture - anything that can become mobile.

Turn off the propane tank on your grill!

Turn your refrigerator to the maximum cold setting and keep it closed.

Cover windows and doors with plywood or place large strips of masking tape to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.

Bring you pets inside to a safe area! Emergency shelters cannot accept animals.

Gather important papers such as your driver’s license or personal ID, home insurance policy, credit card, etc. and place in a plastic bag.

Stay away from windows and exterior doors and seek shelter in the basement, bathroom, hallway or a small interior room on the first floor of your home.

These are just some tips. For more information, visit these important links:

http://www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/resources/hurricane-safety_flyer.pdf
http://www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/
National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html
NJ Office of Emergency Management: http://www.state.nj.us/n
ttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/
FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/
http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/

Above all, KEEP SAFE!

This article has been provided courtesy of Morris County, NJ, Real Estate Agent Andrea Martone. For assistance with real estate decisions, buying or selling a home, or a "no obligation market analysis of your home", contact Andrea at andreamartone@aol.com or (973) 886-2626.