Repost: Southborough emergency management director offers tips for hurricane season

Above: Projected path of Hurricane Irene as of Thursday morning (via The Weather Channel)

I first posted this info a few weeks ago, but with forecasters saying Hurricane Irene could be the real thing, I thought it would be a good idea to post it again. In particular, check out the link at the end of the post for more information on what steps to take to prepare.

Hurricane season is upon us, and forecasters recently announced we may see more named storms this year than previously predicted. Southborough Emergency Management Director of Operations Neal Aspesi wants Southborough residents to be ready in the event one makes it up to our neck of the woods.

Aspesi said one of the reasons for increased storm activity – warmer ocean temperatures – is the same reason those of us up north could end up dealing with hurricane activity this season.

“Usually hurricanes quickly weaken as they approach New England,” Aspesi said. “However, warmer water temperatures are enabling hurricanes to retain strength as they approach.

Aspesi said it’s important for residents to prepare well in advance of a storm. “Once hurricanes pass the Carolinas and enter cooler water, they speed-up rapidly, dramatically reducing the time to prepare and evacuate in the Northeast,” he said.

The biggest risks in our area are from in-land flooding and high winds, Aspesi said.

Aspesi passed along some information on what to do to prepare for hurricane season, including what to pack in your disaster supply kit, steps to protect your property, and more. You can read it all here (PDF).