September 3, 2013

Hurricane Season & Storm Preparedness

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As we continue to move through Hurricane Season, I would like to share some information and resources to help you keep your families, homes, and businesses safe.

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. As we saw with Superstorm Sandy last year, late season storms can occur, causing major devastation. Planning and preparedness are key in maintaining safety.

Stay Informed
The CT Alert Emergency Notification System notifies residents of emergencies. By registering for this system, you will be able to receive updates on your cell phone or via email and will help ensure you are notified of changing weather, evacuation orders, and other timely information, even if you lose power or do not have radio access. To sign up, click here.

Be Prepared

Before a Hurricane you should do the following:

*Prepare a plan for your family including children, loved ones with special needs and pets. Ready.gov has information on how to plan for an emergency.
*Have an emergency kit ready at all times. Your kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and other emergency supplies. To learn more about how to prepare an emergency kit go to Ready.gov.
*Learn the evacuation routes and where the designated shelters will be in your area in case you have to evacuate. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters.
*Check with your insurance company about the National Flood Insurance Program as homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding during a hurricane. Take photos of your home and its contents. For more information on preparing your home and making sure you have the right insurance coverage for a disaster, visit the Connecticut Department of Insurance.
*Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8″ marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
*Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
*Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
*Determine how and where to secure your boat.
*Consider building a safe room.
*If you have a portable generator, be sure to test it on a monthly basis to ensure it is running properly; you want it to start when needed. Permanently installed backup system generators usually conduct routine automatic startups; owners should verify they are doing so and complete any necessary maintenance. All generators need fuel, and owners should prepare for a sufficient supply.
*Make sure your gas tank is full of gas in case you have to evacuate.
*Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, such as your local emergency management office, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
*Remember to charge flashlights, phones, and other devices in the lead-up to the storm and make sure you have extra batteries for these devices.
*Use a battery-powered radio to stay-up-to-date on changing conditions during the storm, and make sure you have fresh batteries.

For more information on Hurricane Preparation in Connecticut, click here.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on this or any legislative issue at 800-842-1423 or email john.piscopo@housegop.ct.gov.