What To Do Before Hurricane Sandy Arrives

The weather reports are growing increasingly ominous, and it looks like Manchester will almost certainly get some heavy rain and wind courtesy of "Frankenstorm" Sandy.

The National Weather Service has issued a "Hazardous Weather Outlook" for the area.

There are several important tasks residents should take care of this weekend, in advance of the storm.

Take Care of Leaves in the Gutters and Storm Drains

Manchester is asking residents to be sure the road edges and gutters, as well as catch basins in front of their homes, are clear of leaves. 

Keep Informed of Sandy's Progress and Local Updates

Manchester residents can obtain storm updates and information throughout the weekend on the town’s emergency broadcast radio station located at 1630 on the AM dial.

Information regarding effective readiness tips for resident can also be found on the following websites: www.ready.gov and www.getreadycapitolregion.org.

Make Sure You Have a Storm Emergency Kit

CL&P is working hard on public relations in advance of this storm, trying to avoid some of the criticism the company faced from the handling of Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm. The American Red Cross also has extensive information about emergency preparedness, and yes, there's even "an app for that."

Safeguard Patio Furniture and Other Outdoor Items

Also from the American Red Cross: "Forecasts are still projecting damaging winds for us from Hurricane Sandy. Since we are already at the end of 'outdoor season,' use this weekend to put away lawn furniture, take down hanging planters, put away grills and store other stuff that could get blown around when Sandy hits us early next week.'"

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One of the differences between Sandy and many other recent storms, is that it is expected to last more than a day.

“We’re talking about a (storm) delivery timeframe of substantially longer than perhaps what people are used to,” Gov. Malloy told a gathering of reporters outside his offices at the state capitol Friday morning. “This is not a 12-hour storm. This could be a 36-hour storm with 40-plus mile an hour winds.” Residents should also plan for a minimum of seven inches of rain, he said.