5 Things Oct. 26: Hurricane Safety, 'Gaslight' Film Showing and More

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. “Gaslight” film showing
Norton Public Library will be screening “Gaslight,” a classic film noir title from 1944. Join in for a brief discussion after the film. Years after her aunt was murdered in her home, a young woman moves back into the house with her new husband. However, he has a secret which he will do anything to protect, even if that means driving his wife insane. This wife is 114 minutes and has not been rated. For more information visit the library or call Amanda Viana at 508-286-2695.

2. Win Celtics tickets for a good cause
The Leah Fernandes Fundraiser silent auction has been changed to a raffle to benefit the Lia Scagnoli Fund. Win tickets to see the Boston Celtics take on the Toronto Raptors Saturday, Nov. 17 at 12:30 p.m. Raffle tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or five for $20. Drawing will be on Nov. 5. For an entry email Teamliainfo@cox.net.

3. Halloween Spooktacular
Join Kidz Wurld for the fourth Halloween Spooktacular at 11 Robert Toner Blvd., N. Attleboro. Costumes are encouraged for this night of music, bubbles, games and goodies. Cost is $12 per child and includes all the festivities and play time. Members will be admitted for $10. Please limit adults to two per family, additional adults are $3 each. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance call 508-695-1674.

4. Hurricane safety tips
With the possible threat of Hurricane Sandy following a track that could have a major impact on New England early next week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) recommends actions that people can take to minimize the potential damage from this storm.

• Make sure you have a well-stocked family disaster kit in the event you lose power or are isolated for a number of days.
• Trim back trees and shrubbery around your home. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down, causing damage, during a storm.
• Clear clogged rain gutters. This storm brings the potential for torrential rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding.
• Bring in outdoor items such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile.
• Make sure storage sheds, children’s playhouses or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
• Elevate articles in your basement that could be damaged from even minor flooding.
• Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking.
• Keep vehicles fully fueled.
• Have a certain amount of cash available.  If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
• Make a record of your personal property.  Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of a claim. Back it up with photographs or video.
• 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.
• Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.
• Lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.
• Boat owners, who plan on taking their vessel out of the water soon, should consider doing so this weekend.
• Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA.  Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileappp

Also, continue to follow MEMA updates on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

5. High near 69, low around 47
Today will be mostly cloudy, then gradually will become sunny, with a high near 69 and calm wind. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 47 and calm wind.