What YOU can do to prepare for hurricane season

Last week, Governor Malloy urged Connecticut residents to prepare for hurricane season. While we know that storms such as Irene and Sandy are incredibly rare and unlikely, all of us should still be prepared. 

Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora Schriro urged residents take three simple preparedness steps: obtain a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit include:

• 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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 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

Malloy also encouraged households to have a family emergency plan that would:

• 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

• ensure every member of the 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 ICE listings to get ahold 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 emergency alert services by visiting:www.ct.gov/ctalert.

For information on hurricane preparedness, visit:www.ct.gov/hurricane or www.ready.gov.

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