Ridgefield Officials Remind Residents to Be Prepared During National Hurricane Week

From the Town of Ridgefield

In October of 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit Ridgefield hard with its voracious winds eating away anything in its path. Trees severed homes, power lines dangled everywhere and downtown Ridgefield looked like the aftermath of a battle. But, Ridgefield was ready and the Town’s Emergency Operations Team knew what to do to keep residents safe and restore the Town to normal as quickly as possible.

This week marks National Hurricane Preparedness Week which serves to remind us that while our Town is ready to deal with a major storm, our residents must be also. This is a good time to be informed, be prepared and make a plan. Here are some recommendations from the Ridgefield Community Emergency Response Team (see Emergency Preparedness link on www.ridgefieldct.org) and www.ready.gov, a great source of information for all types of disasters:

 Make a family plan on where to meet and how to communicate. Let out of town relatives know your plan in case they can communicate from afar.

 Put together a kit to include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to go to a shelter.

 Make sure all prescriptions – for you and your pet(s) -- are filled.

 Organize food and water supplies--enough for up to five days—for you and your pet(s) so you can shelter in place in case you lose power or are trapped due to blocked roads.

 Test your generator to make sure it is working properly. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

 Register at CTAlert (www.CTAlert.gov) to receive time sensitive alerts via email, phone, cell or text. Follow Town emergency Tweets: @CTRidgefield.

 Know locations of Town emergency communication boards: Ridgefield Town Hall and Parks and Recreation Center. Information will always be posted on the Town web site www.ridgefieldct.org and broadcast through the CTAlert system.

 Trim large branches and shrubs away from structures that could be damaged if they fall on them. Secure loose drains and downspouts and clear them of debris. If and when a hurricane watch is issued, review your emergency plan with your family. Where will you meet if you are separated during a storm? How will you communicate if cell towers are down? Do you have a plan for your pets?

Follow the directions of your local Emergency Operations Team, which you will receive via CTAlert, on the Town website, local radio and television channels and local social media sources including the official Town Facebook Page (RidgefieldCT government page) and Tweets.

Ridgefield is the proud recipient of the “Storm Ready” designation by the National Weather Service. This is a good time for residents to follow the Town lead; remember--Be Informed, Make a Plan, and Get Involved.