E-Newsletter: It's Hurricane Season - Are You Prepared?

Statement

Dear Friends,

Hurricane season is now upon us, and will run through November. Ensuring your safety during this time is my top priority. As you know all too well, we are still recovering from the devastation Superstorm Sandy caused in southwestern Connecticut two years ago. Sandy serves as a strong reminder that preparation is critical in protecting our families, homes, businesses, and communities from further destruction and damage.

To ensure that you are as prepared as possible for this year's hurricane season, I have provided some information below so you will have the necessary tools to keep your families, homes, and businesses safe in the event that Connecticut is hit by another big storm. I have compiled the following checklist with resources from federal agencies and have created a webpage where you can find more in-depth information on how to prepare for possible storms.

In the meantime, the best ways to minimize damage and keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a weather emergency are to stay informed and prepare for multiple scenarios.

Stay Informed

The State of Connecticut uses the CT Alert Emergency Notification System to notify residents of emergencies. This system allows you to receive updates on your cell phone or via email and will help ensure you are notified of changing weather, evacuation orders, and other timely information, even if you lose power or do not have radio access.

Click here to register for CT Alert's email or text message updates.

Be Prepared

Every family should put a plan in place to respond to the upcoming storm. The following outline will help you craft a plan. Once you have reviewed the information below, click on the links or visit my emergency preparedness webpage for more information on what to do, what supplies to have on hand, and how to respond to a variety of situations.

What are the different situations you could face, what supplies do you need, how will you respond to different scenarios, and how will you stay in contact with your family?

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind.
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
Craft an evacuation plan should circumstances require you leave town.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. All family members should check in with this contact at designated times.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Many hotels do not allow pets.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, such as your local emergency management office, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Create a Disaster Supply Kit and stock it with non-perishable emergency food, water, supplies, flashlights, batteries, and first aid necessities.
Remember to charge flashlights, phones, and other devices in the lead-up to the storm and make sure you have extra batteries for these devices.
Use a battery-powered radio to stay-up-to-date on changing conditions during the storm, and make sure you have fresh batteries.
For more information on how to prepare, put together a disaster kit, develop an evacuation plan, and learn how to receive up-to-date information, visit my website at http://himes.house.gov/emergency-preparedness-information. You can also find a comprehensive "Are you ready?" guide at http://www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide.

Lastly, I encourage you to sign up for my enewsletter. Whenever I come across new information, I will be sure to pass it along to you. However, while I will send email messages as power and information allow, please remember that your local first responders and Emergency Operations Centers will be able to provide the best assistance and information should a dangerous situation arise.

Stay safe!
Jim

Source