How to Prepared for Hurricane Season During a Pandemic

Hurricane Season is underway. Are you prepared? Hurricanes are violent storms that can bring intense winds, heavy rains, and floods. Experts are predicting six to ten hurricanes this season, three that will be major. We do not know if Connecticut will see any hurricane activity, and it is difficult to prepare for the exact time, place, and force of hurricanes, but Trumbull residents must be prepared. The hurricane season is between June 1 and November 30, with the peak season being early August to late October.

“It’s important for residents to remain vigilant in planning for hurricanes and other emergencies,” said Luci Bango, THD Director of Health. “Preparing in advance allows you the time to get the supplies you and your family need to stay safe during a storm.”

The Trumbull Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer some suggestions on how to prepare for a hurricane.

• Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle, cash, and your disaster supply kits ready to go.
• Make sure every family member carries or wears identification.
• Listen to the radio or television for current information and be prepared to act quickly.
• Lower the thermostat in the refrigerator and freezer to the lowest possible temperature and keep doors closed.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for bathing, flushing toilets, and cleaning. Do not drink the water.
• Secure or bring inside outdoor items, such as patio furniture, kids toys, grills, and building materials.
• Cover up windows and doors outside. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the window frames to protect your windows.
• Be ready to turn off the power, if emergency officials advise you to do so.

Residents should also

• Update/create an emergency go-bag with supplies such as water, medications, eyeglasses, nonperishable food, flashlight and batteries. Be sure to include face coverings, hand sanitizer and soap. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends packing at least two face coverings per person.
• Have emergency supplies packed in advance. If you are asked to evacuate, grab your bag and go. Do not let the pandemic prevent you from leaving.
• Contact local officials now to see if shelter locations have changed or if there is special guidance. If you need to stay at a shelter, practice social distancing, wear face coverings, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands frequently.
• Know evacuation routes in advance, especially if shelter locations have changed. In case of loss of cellphone signal, print out route maps.

For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or the Connecticut Department of Public Health website at www.ct.gov/dph.

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The Trumbull Health Department is committed to improving the quality of life for all it serves through the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and by assuring a safe and clean environment for our residents. For more information about the Trumbull Health Department call 203-452-1030 or visit trumbull-ct.gov/THD.