City Residents Told to Get Ready for Hurricane Sandy

Portsmouth Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire and other city emergency officials are urging city residents to be prepared in case Hurricane Sandy strikes the Seacoast next week as severely as some meteorologists are predicting.

"The latest information from the National Weather Service suggests Hurricane Sandy could hit New Hampshire by Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and wind. Although it is too early to accurately project the trajectory, timing and impact of the storm, emergency officials said it is not too early to plan, get prepared and stay informed," reads a press release issued by the City of Portsmouth.

LeClaire wants city residents to have an evacuation plan in place, including arrangements for pets if evacuation is necessary.

"Have a disaster kit ready, including a supply of nonperishable foods and water, along with a sufficient quantity of medications. Determine if your home is storm ready – clean out gutters, tie down or bring in outdoor furniture, prepare basements for flooding, etc.  Monitor local weather forecasts for this developing situation," the press release reads.

The fire chief also reminded residents that communications may be down for extended periods of time should widespread power outages occur.

City residents who want more information about how they should prepare for a hurricane or other severe weather should visit the Portsmouth Health Department webpage.

The Portsmouth fire chief's call to city residents to get ready for Hurricane Sandy's potential fury has been repeated by in Concord and Public Service of New Hampshire officials.

Martin Murray, PSNH director of communications, issued a press release Thursday afternoon also urging New Hampshire residents to prepare for the worst. The utility company also said it is taking steps to have additional crews ready to go if widespread power outages occur.

"PSNH is closely monitoring the situation. A number of local contractor crews have already been secured, and the company is working to retain additional line workers and support staff.  A recent merger with Boston-based NSTAR now provides PSNH and other Northeast Utilities electric utility subsidiaries with direct access to additional line workers who, when available, can assist in a restoration effort here," reads the PSNH press release.

"PSNH is a participant in regional utility mutual aid groups, which work to coordinate assistance when a significant event impacts a widespread region. Independent contractors are also utilized when large power outages occur, but their availability is often uncertain until a storm passes and the full extent and breadth of damage is understood. How many crews will be available to help, where they come from - and when, will be dictated by what damage Hurricane Sandy actually causes - and where help is needed the most."