Bedford Shutting Down Town Offices at 3 p.m.

Bedford Police are urging residents to restrict travel after 3 p.m. today and Bedford Town Manager Jessie Levine has announced that town offices will close at 3 p.m. and all non-essential municipal employees will be sent home.

The decision comes on the heels of Gov. John Lynch declaring a state of emergency this morning and sending state employees home at the same time.

Peak winds and rain are expected to begin at 3.

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Bedford Police also released the following advisory:

A band of high winds and heavy rain will move through the New Hampshire area this afternoon and evening. Winds should diminish by Tuesday morning. Residents should prepare for severe weather during this time frame.

HIGH WINDS 50+ MPH are possible with more than 3 INCHES of rainfall expected. The Heaviest winds are predicted between 9pm Monday night until the Tuesday morning hours. Please use caution, stay inside and if you need to be out, be careful of flying debris, such as tree branches, due to the high winds.

During the time frame of high winds and heavy rainfall power outages and down trees are expected. Here are some safety tips for residents should power be lost.

Downed Power Lines
• Stay away from downed wires and trees that might have wires caught in them.
• If you’re in a vehicle and downed wires are on the car or across the road, stay in your car until emergency crews arrive to handle the energized wire(s).
• Keep your distance from any downed power line.
• Don't drive over downed lines, and if a downed line is in or near water, keep your distance from the water, even a little puddle.
• And whether a power line is down or not, don't touch anything that might be in contact with it - like a tree limb, for example.

Severe Weather Warning: Be prepared and watch your local news for weather updates and to your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for alerts.

Here is a list of some suggested supplies to have on hand during a hurricane.

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• If you have a generator be sure to get it ready and have plenty of fuel on hand
Check on your neighbors during the storm if possible.

For more information please visit:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php or FEMA.gov.