“As we have experienced, it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to make landfall to have a devastating impact on our state,” Governor Malloy said. “Now is the time to prepare. I urge residents to take three simple preparedness steps: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. These three steps will allow you to become more resilient to any storm or emergency you may face.”
“Now is the time to become familiar with the potential risks your community and neighborhood may face, such as storm surge, flooding, road or bridge closures,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro said. “If a storm is approaching your area, carefully monitor weather reports and follow all of the instructions provided by public safety officials.”
Governor Malloy offers 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
• At least 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
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Create a 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 cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to 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. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.