Westport Offers Tips On How To Stay Safe During Hurricane Season

WESTPORT, CT — Hurricane Season begins June 1, and the National Weather Service has predicted above average hurricane activity, according to the Westport Fire Department.

"We advise home owners and businesses to review emergency plans," Chief of Department Robert E. Yost said in a release.

To help residents stay safe, the department has provided a list of recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• A spare supply of any medications you need
• A change of clothing
• 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
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, auto power inverter or solar charger
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

The department has also provided tips on how to create a family emergency plan:

• Identify an out-of town contact and meeting place if you get separated. 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.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the contact’s 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 your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you have 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: Connecticut Emergency Alerting and for the Town of Westport Emergency Notifications.
• Include your kids in planning and drills.
• Teach kids how and when to call 911.
• Quiz your kids on the plan to make sure they remember what to do.

Visit Westport’s Emergency Information for further helpful information, contact information and useful links. Also, please visit the National Weather Service 2018 Hurricane Center.

To sign up for Westport breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Photo credits: Westport Fire Department