NORWICH – City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano today issued recommendations for citizens to take in light of the pending effects from Hurricane Sandy.

“We ask city residents to take a common sense approach to this storm,” said Maiurano. “There's no need to panic, but people should be prepared in the event of extended power outages due to down trees and power lines.”

The National Weather Service has briefed City emergency management officials, department heads and the mayor over the past few days about the storm and its potential impacts. A High Wind Warning is in effect Monday and Tuesday. There is now a 50 percent chance of sustained tropical force winds (39 mph or higher) with the highest threat overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Maiurano recommended the following:

Take down Halloween decorations, flags, signs (political, real estate, etc) and other hanging or free-flying objects.

Lawn and patio furniture should be put into a garage or otherwise secured. Tables that can't be secured should be flipped over.

Check flat roofs and gutters for leaves.

For those with Monday or Tuesday garbage pickup, it's recommended not to put out garbage cans or recycling bins if at all possible.

If power goes out and traffic lights are non-functioning, intersections become four-way stops. Traffic control will not be provided at these intersections.

“We encourage residents to secure anything that could become a projectile and injure someone or property,” said the Mayor.