How Stamford Residents Can Prepare For Hurricane Season

From the Mayor's Office: Mayor David Martin and the City of Stamford Emergency Management officials are reminding Connecticut residents that tropical activity remains very active with Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storms Jose and Katia. Residents should be prepared to take the needed steps to prepare well in advance of any storm threatening the state.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the principle threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October. As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, City of Stamford emergency officials are preparing and readying all departments for hurricane season.The Office of Public Safety is continuing to track Hurricane Irma’s path, including monitoring forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, as it moves towards North America. Changes in direction should be expected for the next few days.

"Our emergency management officials are in regular contact with the State, FEMA and regional emergency management officials. We continue to monitor this storm closely," Mayor Martin said. "There are many variables associated with Hurricane Irma, so just as the city and its agencies are monitoring the weather and preparing appropriately, we encourage residents to watch forecasts and be prepared for the coming days and the rest of the Hurricane Season."

Ted Jankowski, the Director of Public Safety added, “Stamford has experienced the damage that extreme weather can cause. I am urging Stamford residents to be prepared and take precautions for heavy storms as this Hurricane Season is expected to be busier than usual. The Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare will continue to monitor and track weather conditions, Tropical Storms and the path of Hurricane Irma in preparation.”

Should the hurricane path take aim at Connecticut, residents could expect flooding, beach erosion, high winds and power outages.

To prepare for hurricane season, the following actions are suggested:

· Sign up for Emergency Alerts at www.ctalert.gov

· Stay in touch with the City of Stamford through our web site www.stamfordct.gov and the City’s Emergency Hotline 203-977-8840

· Have an emergency kit available - one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, hand operated can opener, flashlight, battery powered radio, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, small hand tools, blankets, pillow, towels and toiletries

· Bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, hanging plants, trash cans

· Have a full tank of gas in your car

· Have some cash on hand in case of power outages that might disable ATMs

· Keep your cellphones charged

· Keep important family documents safe

A full list of precautions and suggested preparation steps can be found at www.bepreparedStamford.org and www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

As the storm progresses and a more definite path is known, additional information regarding precautions, evacuations and emergency shelter openings will be available on the city website, hotline, and through local media outlets, as necessary.

Image via Pixabay