GOV. MALLOY ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO MONITOR HURRICANE SANDY AND TO BE PREPARED

(HARTFORD, CT) – With Hurricane Sandy potentially threatening Connecticut, Governor Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents to closely monitor the storm’s path over the next few days and to be prepared.

“Just as the state is monitoring and preparing, the public should do the same,” said Governor Malloy. “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.”

The state Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is monitoring this storm very closely and is prepared to coordinate any potential state response. DEMHS is participating in National Weather Service conference calls to get the latest information on the storms track and is sending out regular updates to all municipalities and tribal nations.

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,” said DEMHS Deputy Commissioner William P. Shea. “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.”

Governor 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.

*http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?Q=512922&A=4010