Preparing for Irene

As Hurricane Irene readies to creep its way up the east coast, state and local officials are warning Connecticut residents to be prepared this weekend.

Bethany Fire Marshal Rod White says a CodeRed message will be released tomorrow with pertinent information, but he stresses the importance of being prepared and careful, since there is a chance that emergency services may not be easily available if the storm damage is severe.  

The local Red Cross advises having a plan for where to go if you are requested to evacuate. According to storm preparedness information from the Red Cross, you may go to a hotel or motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to a town or Red Cross shelter (when notified they are open).

Residents should also plan for pets, since they are not allowed in Red Cross shelters and many town shelters.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy reminds Connecticut residents and businesses to prepare for storms. “Last winter during record snow, residents aided efforts immensely by following the advice of our emergency services personnel and staying off the roads. We are urging people to stay informed during hurricane season as well –if bad weather is going to impact the state, we will be ready, and want residents to be prepared too.” 

“I recommend that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps: get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford.”We cannot become complacent, it is vital that we are prepared.” 

DESPP is holding daily conference calls with the National Weather Service and FEMA, and regularly updating municipalities on the storm track.  “Although hurricanes are unpredictable, this storm has the potential to impact Connecticut and we need to be prepared.” said DESPP Deputy Commissioner Peter Boynton. “Because a shift in the track of the hurricane of just a few miles can have a significant impact on the state, it is important to stay informed by listening to TV and Radio and heed the warnings of public safety officials.”

Governor Malloy and DESPP offered the following preparedness tips: Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: 

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• A three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Cell phone 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 can call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve 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 alert services. Many communities/states now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. In Connecticut, go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for alerts.