Be Prepared: How to be ready for hurricane season

With reports of tropical storms once again in the news this season, please be aware of key information on how to stay prepared in the event of severe weather in Connecticut.

The following information is from the CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security:

The Atlantic hurricane season runs each year from June 1 to November 30, with the principal threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

WHAT TO DO

1. Download the app

Download the state’s CTPrepares app for your mobile devices. The app, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides Connecticut residents with information that is useful in emergency situations, and also gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency.

2. Build a supply kit – recommended items

• 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
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Food and litter requirements for any pets
• Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
• Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter

3. Make a family emergency plan

• Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
• 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.
• Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
• Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.

4. Protect your possessions

• It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
• Review your policy with an agent or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
• Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
• Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.