Community Corner

Tips for Hurricane Irene Safety

What to do (and not to do) this Sunday for Hurricane Irene.

The and Emergency Services are preparing for Hurricane Irene. Mansfield Fire Department Deputy Chief Jim Puelo stressed that residents should also prepare themselves in case the hurricane causes power outages.

"Right now, people should be making sure they have batteries for flashlights," he said. "Do not use candles."

He added that residents shouldn't use outdoor cooking appliances indoors or undercover, because of the fire hazard they present. Also, residents should stock up on food and water, enough to last at least two days and be aware of any downed power lines in their area.

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Should the storm get really bad, he said that shelters will be available.

“The regional shelter is at the , which the Red Cross will be staffing,” he said. “For local sheltering options, refer to Cable 8 [Mansfield Public Access], and there will be scrolled information across the bottom of the screen for people who may need to relocate.”

Find out what's happening in Mansfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Puleo also said that Mansfield will be increasing staff during the storm to help in any emergency situations when and if Hurricane Irene hits the town.

“Starting Saturday night, the Mansfield Fire Department will be upstaffing,” he said.  “We’ll have extra people working the overnight and extra people working all Sunday.”


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