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NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - According to the Weather Channel, "Irene has the potential to produce flooding rains, high winds, downed trees (on houses, cars, power lines) and widespread power outages."
Town officials in North Salem convened Thursday morning to discuss plans for the possible impact of the hurricane. According to Supervisor Warren Lucas, the worst part of the storm will come about five or six a.m. on Sunday. Its a slow moving hurricane, so itll probably take between six and nine hours to get through our area.
Highway Superintendent Ward Hanaburgh, a member of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), pointed out that most of the storm will occur during daylight hours, which is good. People should make sure all their storm drains are clear and gutters open. The biggest problem will be the amount of rain, so do anything that will help the water to flow.
Kurt Guldan of the OEM suggested that people stock up on canned food and water, including bathing water. If you have a generator, make sure the propane tank is filled. Make sure your flashlights have good batteries. Guldan, who is also president of the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps, warned people to, be careful with candles.
In case of emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency problems or assistance, call (914) 669-5464. The number will be manned full time.
The severity of the storm in our town will depend on Irene's exact path and intensity, which remains uncertain at this time. Check back for updates.
How are you preparing for Hurricane Irene? Visit our facebook page or email kpacchiana@TheDailyNorthSalem.com.
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