HARTFORD — Local, state and national officials and agencies are reminding Connecticut residents this weekend that during and in the immediate aftermath of tropical storms and hurricanes, there are hazards that deserve reminders.

As of Friday, a National Weather Service Tropical Storm Watch was including Newtown, and much of the region, “until further notice,” due to an advancing weather system. The storm, also according to the weather service, is expected to become a hurricane as it continues north, toward New England.

Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal assured residents during a CodeRED call Friday night that he and other local officials are monitoring the approaching storm.

As of Friday evening, the fast-moving storm was expected to begin soaking Newtown and the region by early to mid-Saturday afternoon. A 30 percent change of showers and thunderstorms were predicted, “mainly after 3 pm” Saturday, the weather service had posted that evening. Tropical storm conditions are then possible, also according to NWS, all day and into the evening on Sunday.

In issuing a CodeRED call to registered residents, Rosenthal on Friday said that “at present it looks like there is a very good chance that Tropical Storm Henri will create problems for us this Sunday into Monday.

“Please make sure that you secure your property, have water available, and charge your electronic devices,” he also stated. “The Emergency Management Team and Town staff remain ready should the need arise.”

Local officials will release additional communications as necessary, the first selectman also said.

DESPP, Humane Society Notes

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), along with the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, on August 20 issued reminders ahead of Tropical Storm Henri. The Humane Society of the United States also asked pet owners to plan for their animals before an emergency is declared.

Alan Zygmunt, public education coordinator for Connecticut Fire Academy, reminds readers that portable generators, candle usage for temporary lighting, street flooding and downed power lines all cause hazards in homes and neighborhoods.

“These important tips will remind us of these hazards and ways to keep our families safe,” Zygmunt further noted.

*Use portable generators outside and away from the home to prevent exhaust gasses and carbon monoxide from entering the house.

*If a CO detector sounds, evacuate the home and call the fire department. Firefighters can check for the presence of CO and also check fuel burning appliances for problems.

*During power outages many people choose to use candles to provide light in their home. Candles are open flames and can ignite any nearby combustibles. Blow out all candles when leaving a room or use flashlights as a safer alternative.

*If outside or while driving, be especially aware of the potential for downed power lines. They are often tangled in trees and might not be easily visible. Any downed wire must be considered live so keep at least 10-15 feet away from any downed wires.

*Downed wires can also come in contact with other items — fences, guardrails and or roadside signs — and can potentially energize them as well, which can cause an electrocution hazard.

*Street flooding is also a common outcome from storms. When water covers a roadway, it is very difficult to determine the depth of the water.

Do not drive through standing water; it is always safer to go around. Remember: Don’t drown, go around.

*Check sump pumps before any storm to ensure they are working properly.

If a basement does flood, avoid entering the standing water to prevent contamination from possible sewage.

Also stay away from any electrical fixtures in the basement and have the water removed as soon as possible.

“Following these tips can keep you and your family members safe from common problems caused by powerful storms,” said Zygmunt.

Connecticut Fire Academy is the teaching arm of The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. Part of it mission is educating the public in emergency preparedness.

Pet Preparedness Crucial

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is also urging individuals to make a preparedness plan, for their pets.

Diane Robinson, disaster services manager for HSUS, says such a plan is more essential than ever “as the pandemic continues to evolve and create new considerations related to evacuation and the capacity of emergency services.

“It is imperative to think ahead, heed evacuation orders from local officials, and remember: If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets,” she added.

Evacuating requires planning to ensure health and safety. If possible, identify family members or friends in a safe location who can provide a place to shelter in the event of an evacuation.

Staying with a friend or family member in a safe location is preferable to relying on an emergency shelter during this time because services may be limited and social distancing will likely be harder to maintain.

It is also advisable to have a disaster kit ready in the home at all times. Some items that should be included:

*Food and water for at least 14 days for each pet. Also bring bowls and a manual can opener for canned pet food.

*Medications for at least 14 days and all medical records, including vaccination history. Keep these stored in a waterproof container. Storing this information digitally, on a flash drive or online, is also suggested.

*Make sure every pet is wearing a collar with tags for identification.

Microchipping pets is ideal as collars can be easily removed.

*Pack a pet first aid kit.

*Litter box with extra litter and a scoop.

*Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely.

*Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of each animal.

*Comfort items, which may include a pet bed or a special toy, to reduce stress.

*Written information about each pet feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior issues along with the name and number of their veterinarian. This information can also be kept digitally.

Other useful items include masks, hand sanitizer, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.

To learn more about keeping pet safe in the event of a disaster, visit the HSUS website here. Information related to COVID-19 and pets is available here.

HSUS also offers tips on disaster preparedness for horses and livestock here and here, and a guide to protecting outdoor community cats here.

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Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.