Press Release
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
For Immediate Release: Sunday, October 28, 2012
Contact: Jim Van Dongen, 603-223-3641
CONCORD, NH - Governor John H. Lynch and state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Christopher M. Pope Sunday urged all New Hampshire residents and visitors to take warnings about Hurricane Sandy seriously and to protect themselves and their families as the powerful storm approaches the state.
Governor Lynch and Director Pope led a noontime conference call with more than 200 state and local emergency management and public safety personnel to coordinate New Hampshire's response to the storm.
Pope made the following recommendations:
- Secure all loose outdoor objects, including Halloween decorations, before the storm's expected arrival on Monday.
- Don't drive on flooded roadways.
- Residents and visitors should be prepared to follow the instructions of local officials if evacuation orders are issued.
- Don't venture outside during the storm because of the danger of flying debris.
- Stay away from downed utility wires and assume they are live.
- Operate emergency generators only in well ventilated areas to avoid the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Governor Lynch also ordered the National Guard to put 100 soldiers on state active duty by 10 a.m. Monday to be prepared to assist state and local personnel with emergency response.
According to the National Weather Service, the main impact of the storm will reach New Hampshire around midday on Monday and last through early afternoon on Tuesday. But the Weather Service also cautioned that the storm is unpredictable and its path could change with little warning.
