Boston Urges Residents to Take Precautions with Overnight Storm

As Hermine threatens Southern New England overnight into Monday afternoon, Boston's mayor has issued some important safety tips.

Winds in the Boston area are expected to be between 25 and 40 miles per hour, beginning around midnight and continuing into the afternoon, according to a release from the City of Boston. The Hub is anticipating an inch of rain.

Hermine, the Post-Tropical Storm that has made its way up from Florida, is still hundreds of miles south of Nantucket. But it could pack enough wallop in the Boston area for residents to be careful.

"I urge all residents to take every precaution in advance of the threat of this storm on Boston," said Mayor Marty Walsh. "Please remember to check on elderly neighbors, and stay inside if you are able to."

The following tips were offered:

• With winds this strong downed trees and power outages are possible. Have supplies available including flashlights, batteries and non-perishable food.
• Lock doors and windows during a storm to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.
• Make sure storage sheds, children's playhouses and other outside structures are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
• Watch out for debris and downed power lines. Call 911 for any emergency situations.
• For insurance purposes, make a record of your personal property. Take photos or videos of the interior and exterior of your home and of your personal belongings. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist insurance adjusters in case you need to file a claim.
• Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people back up important documents online.
• Residents are encouraged to use Boston 311, the city's platform to report non-emergency issues.
  • Boston 311 can be accessed anywhere within the City limits from both landlines and cellphones. 311 is available through several different platforms, including:

• Mobile: download the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android
• Online: Boston.gov/311
• Social media: tweet @BOS311
• Phone: dial 3-1-1 (For those with VoIP and for calls from outside Boston, callers should dial 617-635-4500.