Given the weather bouncing between severe, power-outage-causing storms and blistering heat waves over the last month, and weather looking likely to remain just as "interesting" over the next few months, The Newtown Bee is echoing a reminder recently issued by the Town of Newtown about seasonal weather preparedness.

Newtown’s First Selectman Bruce Walczak and the Emergency Management Office routinely urge residents to remain vigilant regarding situational awareness and ask that every resident maintain appropriate preparations to ensure personal safety and readiness. Also, take action to protect your pets.

The town's messaging consistently includes the following:

Please check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are OK.

Be prepared to properly care for pets in severe weather.

Consider your medical needs — review continuity of care from existing professional assistance, supply of medications, home delivery of essential supplies such as oxygen, and specific needs.

Make a kit — water, non-perishable food for minimum of three days, a battery operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, garbage bags, and other sanitation type materials.

Generators — be sure that the generator is properly installed and vented away from the house. Never run a generator indoors or in the garage.

Make a backup plan — make sure you have a communications plan setup with your family, especially those out of the area who may be worried about your well-being. Set up a time and method to get in touch with them to let them know your status.

Be informed — make sure your cell phones and other mobile devices are fully charged in the event the power goes out. Be sure to listen to the local authorities and weather stations for information on the weather’s progression. If possible, do not drive during and immediately after a storm event, for your own safety and to allow town & state crews to safely clear roadways.

Also, keep fire lanes clear.

Typically, residents can seek relief at trusted and reliable community partners, however, it is important to check to be sure the building is open, safe to be occupied, and is prepared to accommodate visitors — so wait for notification and details. Those safe locations are Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street; Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street; and the Newtown Police Station Community Room, 191 South Main Street.

Important numbers and contact information include: Life safety emergency — call 911. Power outage — call Eversource at 800-286-2000. 2-1-1 is Connecticut’s free info & referral service: call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org. Code Red by Crisis 24 — register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website at newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management or call 203-270-4296 for assistance. Smart 911 — register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website at newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management. Check news and announcements on Town website at newtown-ct.gov; click on the News tab.

You can register there to receive news at newtown-ct.gov/subscribe. The First Selectman’s Office telephone is 203-270-4201; Newtown Human Services 203-270-4330; Newtown Health District 203-270-4291; Newtown Community Center 203-270-4349; and after hours Newtown Police Routine Line 203-426-5841.