As of 5 a.m. Eastern time, Irene was 420 miles from Cape Hatteras, N.C., with sustained winds of 110 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane, according to a National Hurricane Center bulletin issued early today.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges homes to make disaster supply kits:

• Nonperishable foods
• Canned meats and fish
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned soups and puddings
• Canned fruit juices
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Bread, cookies and crackers
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Coffee and tea
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water (1 gallon per person/per day)
• Prescription medication (2 week supply)
• Extra eyeglasses
• Pet food/supplies
• Water purification tablets (halazone)
• Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
• Disposable diapers
• Baby wipes
• Baby food
• Formula
• First aid supplies
• Masking and duct tape
• Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries
• Battery operated radio, with extra batteries
• Watch or battery operated clock
• Ice chest
• Matches
• Canned heat (sterno)
• Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply
• A certain amount of cash
• Important documents (Such as wills, deeds, prescriptions, passports, birth certificates, health record, proof of address, Social Security number)
• Plastic trash bags
• Plastic sheeting or tarp
• Chlorinated bleach
• Personal hygiene items

 Other useful items:

• Work gloves
• Sun lotion
• Insect repellent
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Wrenches
• Handsaw
• Razor knife
• Ax or chainsaw
• Rope caulking
• Nails and screws
• Rope and wire
• Broom, mop and bucket
• All-purpose cleaner
• Ladder
• Sandbags
• Portable generator
• Tree pruner
• Shovel, rake and wheelbarrow
• Sheets of plywood

 Items To Consider Taking To A Shelter

• Take along blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and towels.
• Take along any necessary medications as well as personal hygiene items including: soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Remember that alcoholic beverages, and weapons are not allowed at evacuation shelters.
• Remember not all shelters accept pets. If the shelter you will be using does, be sure to bring supplies for your pet including: a crate or carrier, food, toys to keep them occupied and medical records. Your towns requirements may vary, so be sure to find out exactly what you will need well ahead of time.

All of us here at Oxford Insurance want you to be prepared and SAFE !

Please visit our virtual insurance agency at  www.oxfordinsurance.com or contact us at 1-800-351-5130. 

Sources: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/08/hurricane_irene_closer.html

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/weather/hurricane-safety-tips-20110824