January 6, 2012

Here Comes Winter…

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I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays. I have enjoyed keeping you informed this year through my column and am excited about the challenges of 2012.

With winter’s extreme weather fast approaching I wanted to share some safety tips with you. Of course, common sense is the most important factor in keeping your family safe but it never hurts to brush up on what to have prepared and what do in an emergency.
State Director of Emergency Management William J. Hackett recommends that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. Taking these three simple steps can greatly enhance our resiliency to any emergency.
DESPP offers the following Winter Weather Preparedness Tips:

WINTER EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Charged cell phone
• First-aid kit
• Essential prescription medicines
• Non-perishable Food
• Water (one gallon per person/per day)
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher

FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), and have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family contact’. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance than across town. Also, calling outside the area will probably be easier than calling into a disaster area.
Make sure everyone knows the name, address and telephone number of the contact person.
Sometimes an emergency could impact your neighborhood or small section of town. Decide on an alternate meeting area for family members.
BE INFORMED Be familiar with the Emergency Plans at your children’s school and your workplace. Be aware of the location of your community’s potential emergency shelters and possible evacuation routes. Monitor the media.
For more information please visit www.ready.gov/winter
If you would like to comment on this or other issues of concern to you please do so by contacting my office at 1-800-842-1423 or visiting my website www.cthousegop.com. I would love to hear from you.
Have a safe and healthy New Year!