As meteorologists watch the Hurricane Sandy, which would pose a threat to Connecticut, Gov. Dannel Malloy is asking residents to closely monitor the storm’s path over the next few days and to be prepared.
Malloy said tree trimming has been done, other steps have been taken and the state has spent three days preparing for specifically for this storm, but there are unknown variables.
“Mother Nature is pretty darn powerful and it depends on what is thrown at us,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in an interview with the governor on Friday.
At noon on Friday, Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman will be briefed by Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection Deputy Commissioner William P. Shea and heads of the state’s major utility companies on preparations being made to deal with the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy. After the meeting, Malloy will hold a media availability to discuss the contents of the briefing.
“Just as the state is monitoring and preparing, the public should do the same,” Malloy said. “Some models predict that Sandy may move onshore somewhere in New England early next week. Although we are not certain the storm will impact the state, we need to be prepared. That means everyone, especially the state’s utility companies.”
Malloy said the state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is monitoring this storm, participating in National Weather Service conference calls to get the latest information and is prepared to coordinate any potential state response.
DEMHS is also in communication with Connecticut Light and Power and United Illuminating regarding their preparations and posture.
“Although hurricanes are unpredictable, this storm has the potential to impact Connecticut and we need to be prepared,” DEMHS Deputy Commissioner William Shea said. “Because a shift in the track of the hurricane of just a few miles can have a significant impact on the state, it is important to stay informed by listening to TV and radio and heed the warnings of public safety officials.”
Malloy and DEMHS offered the following preparedness tips:
Basic Emergency Supply Kit
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- 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
- Can opener
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.
Family Emergency Plan
- Identify an out-of town contact. 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 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’ve 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 alert services. Many communities/states now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about severe weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. In Connecticut, go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for alerts.
For more information on Hurricane Preparedness, visit ct.gov/hurricane.
