State Offers Advice On Hurricane Preparedness

With the height of the hurricane season approaching, the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESSP) is offering residents and businesses advice on how to prepare for such powerful storms.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The principal threat period for Connecticut is from mid-August to mid-October.

“Tropical Storm Irene reminded us all that hurricanes and tropical storms do impact Connecticut, and individuals and businesses need to be prepared,” DESPP Commissioner Reuben E. Bradford said in a statement.

“Every home and business should have a basic emergency plan that can be used for any emergency,” he said.

 “I urge residents to know what potential risks your community and neighborhood may face, such as storm surge, flooding, road or bridge closures,” he said. “Carefully monitor the media and promptly follow instructions from public safety officials if a storm approaches,” he added.

“I recommend that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed,” urged Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Deputy Commissioner William P. Shea.

“With last year’s storms still fresh in our minds, personal preparedness is essential,” Mr Shea said.

The state recently concluded a four-day statewide emergency preparedness drill which was designed to simulate a Category 3 hurricane impacting the state. This drill allowed the state, local officials, utility companies, and the private sector to exercise planning and preparation at all levels of government.

Emergency Kit

The DESPP recommends that the following items be included in an emergency kit:

*One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

*At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food.

*Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and also a NOAA weather radio with a tone alert, plus extra batteries for both.

*Flashlight and extra batteries.

*First aid kit.

*A whistle to signal for help.

*Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

*Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

*Can opener for the food, if the kit contains canned food.

*Local maps.

*Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

Family Emergency Plan

*Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

*Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cellphone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact person or persons. If you have a cellphone, program that emergency contact number as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) on your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listing or listings in order to reach someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you have listed them as emergency contacts.

*Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

*Subscribe to public alert services. Many communities/states now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about severe weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. In Connecticut, go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for alerts.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.ct.gov/hurricane.