GOV. MALLOY REMINDS RESIDENTS THAT ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
Residents Advised to be Prepared for Any Severe Weather
(HARTFORD, CT) – With the first day of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season beginning today, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and state emergency management officials are reminding Connecticut residents to be prepared for any severe weather that may impact the state. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the principal threat period for Connecticut occurring from mid-August to mid-October.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Atlantic hurricane season forecast is calling for 10 to 16 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes, and 1 to 4 major hurricanes this year.
“One single hurricane or tropical storm can have a lasting impact on our state – it’s time to prepare,” Governor Malloy said. “We urge all residents to take three simple preparedness steps: get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. These three steps will help to ready everyone for any weather emergency you may encounter.”
“Now is also the time to become acquainted with the weather hazards to which your community may be prone, such as storm surges, areas that flood, and road or bridge closures,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro said. “If a storm is approaching your area, monitor weather reports carefully and follow all of the instructions provided by public safety officials.”
The following list offers preparedness tips for residents:
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
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.