Winter Weather Preparedness Tips

With the winter season fast approaching, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is reminding Connecticut residents and businesses to be prepared.

“As we were all reminded during this past year, individual preparedness is essential,” said DESPP Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford. “Every home and business should have a basic emergency plan that can be used for any emergency.”

The winter season in Connecticut can range from large snow accumulation, extremely cold temperatures, heavy, wet snow or icing on trees and power lines, roof collapses, coastal flooding, and beach erosion.

“I recommend that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed,” added State Director of Emergency Management William J. Hackett. “Taking these three simple steps can greatly enhance our resiliency to any emergency,”

DESPP offers the following Winter Weather Preparedness Tips:

Winter Emergency Supply Kit

Pack away and keep in a dry location the following:

*Flashlight and extra batteries

*Portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries

*Charged cellphone

*First-aid kit

*Essential prescription medicines

*Nonperishable food

*Manual can opener

*Water (plan on one gallon per person, per day)

*Baby items

*Extra blankets and sleeping bags

*Fire extinguisher

Family Emergency

Communications Plan

*Develop a Family Emergency Communication Plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm, which is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school. Have a plan for getting back together.

*Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance than across town. Also, calling outside the area will probably be easier than calling into a disaster area.

*Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person.

*Sometimes an emergency could impact your neighborhood or small section of town. Decide on an alternate meeting area for family members.

Be Informed

*Be familiar with the emergency plans at your children’s school and your workplace.

*Be aware of the location of your community’s potential emergency shelters and possible evacuation routes.

*Monitor the media.

For additional preparedness information visit www.ready.gov.