What To Do Before Hurricane Sandy Arrives in Granby, East Granby

The National Weather Service has issued a "Hazardous Weather Outlook" for the area, AT&T has deployed its Network Disaster Recovery team and both CL&P and Gov. Dannel Malloy have opened their emergency operations centers. 

Granby and East Granby officials have met and planned for personnel and resources to be available during the storm in case of power outages and large-scale flooding. As the town, state and utilities prepare, there are several important tasks residents should undertake in advance of the storm.

Take Care of Leaves in the Gutters and Storm Drains

Farmington Town Manager Kathy Eagen asked residents to clear debris and leaves from catch basins around homes and businesses. West Hartford Director of Public Works John Phillips also asked residents in that town to be sure the road edges and gutters are clear of leaves. "Leaf-filled gutters and catch basins will lead to an increase of localized street flooding. Please assist your neighborhood and your DPW staff, be prepared, and take some time this weekend to clean the road edge and gutter of your home," Phillips said.

Sign Up for the Emergency Alert System

It's easy, and it's the best way to ensure that you have the most up-to-date emergency information. Residents can go to www.CTAlert.gov and sign up for emergency notices. Alerts can be sent directly to your cell phone.

Make Sure You Have a Storm Emergency Kit

CL&P is working hard on public relations in advance of this storm, trying to avoid some of the criticism the company faced from the handling of Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm. The American Red Cross also has extensive information about emergency preparedness, and yes, there's even "an app for that."

A full tank of gas, water, cash, medications, batteries and flashlights are tops on most lists.

Safeguard Patio Furniture and Other Outdoor Items

Also from the American Red Cross: "Forecasts are still projecting damaging winds for us from Hurricane Sandy. Since we are already at the end of 'outdoor season,' use this weekend to put away lawn furniture, take down hanging planters, put away grills and store other stuff that could get blown around when Sandy hits us early next week.'"

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One of the differences between Sandy and many other recent storms, is that it is expected to last more than a day. “We’re talking about a (storm) delivery timeframe of substantially longer than perhaps what people are used to,” Gov. Malloy told a gathering of reporters outside his offices at the state capitol Friday morning. “This is not a 12-hour storm. This could be a 36-hour storm with 40-plus mile an hour winds.” Residents should also plan for a minimum of seven inches of rain, he said.