Yard Items Can Be Deadly Projectiles in a Hurricane

With Hurricane Irene heading our way, it's time to get outside and take a close look at your property, says Patricia Simms of the Morris Township Heavy Rescue Squad. Do you have a flag out front? Tools leaning against the garden fence? Patio furniture?

All of these items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds, Simms said. "Patio furniture can be picked up and crash through your window."

If you have room inside your home or garage, bring in everything that could possibly blow away. Drag in the potted plants, take down the picnic umbrella, lock the garbage cans inside their enclosure. Your propane tank may seem too heavy to blow away, but still, Simms said, "Wedge it into the corner of your deck."

If you have items you can't bring inside, slide them underneath your deck or, as a last resort, lean them on an angle against the house. For example, Simms says she plans to tip over her mother's patio swing and put it against the house.

These preparations can take a lot of work, but they are worthwhile in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.