KEENE, NH-While other parts of the country recover from such storms like Irene, the City of Keene has started to prepare itself for Hurricane Isaac.

While officials say this is just a precautionary measure, the City staff has met and will continue to meet over the course of the holiday weekend and monitor Isaac’s activity. According to models used to track the storm Keene could be affected by the northern most portion of Isaac with rainfall, anywhere from 1 to 3 inches over a 24 hour period, which could lead to potential flooding.  

As part of the precautions taken by the City, the Public Works Department has already removed all obstacles and debris in Beaver Brook, Black Brook along with the White Brook and along the Ashuelot River.  On top of cleaning the drain and flushing the lines in the Beaver Brook corridor; which extends from Brook Street south to Foster Street.

City officials also want to remind residents in or around the Beaver Brook corridor and West Keene area that have experienced flooding in the past, to consider moving items off floors and in the event water does enter your home to shut off all electrical and heating devises early to prevent damage. For those residents looking to make sandbags to combat flooding, sand is available at the Public Works Department’s 350 Marlboro Street parking lot directly in front of the main building entrance; and bags are available at the Keene Central Fire station located at 32 Vernon Street in Keene.

Those residents with questions of concern are encouraged to contact City Manager John McLean at 603-499-1349 or Fire Chief Gary Lamoureux at 603-209-1731.