Boston's Mayor Offers Safety Tips Ahead Of Hermine

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh urged city residents to exercise caution in anticipation of the heavy winds and rain likely to arrive in the coming days.

"I urge all residents to take every precaution in advance of the threat of this storm on Boston," Walsh said in a public statement on Sunday. "Please remember to check on elderly neighbors, and stay inside if you are able to."

Boston is expected to be hit with 25 to 40 mph wind gusts beginning Monday morning, along with up to 1 inch of rain.

Walsh's office offered the following tips to Boston residents:

• Watch out for debris and downed power lines. Call 911 for any emergency situations.
• Make sure storage sheds, children's playhouses and other outside structures are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
• Lock doors and windows during a storm to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.
• With winds this strong downed trees and power outages are possible.
  Have supplies available including flashlights, batteries and non-perishable food.
• For insurance purposes, make a record of your personal property.  Take photos or videos of the interior and exterior of your home and of your personal belongings. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist insurance adjusters in case you need to file a claim.
• Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people back up important documents online.
• Residents are encouraged to use Boston 311, the city's platform to report non-emergency issues.