Sunshine and warm weather is finally upon us, but don’t take it for granted. With hot humid weather often comes the threat of severe thunderstorms, straight-line wind events, tornados, hurricanes and possible associated flooding.
The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is predicting near-normal hurricane activity for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season. While a glancing blow from a hurricane can spawn tornados, in New England severe thunderstorms have the most potential of producing tornadoes. It is imperative to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for severe weather.
Know your evacuation route
In the event of a major storm, flooding, or power outage, check with local officials to determine the nearest shelter locations and evacuation routes.
Gather supplies
Gather food, water, and essential supplies. If you depend on medication, make sure you have enough to last several days. Include your pets’ food and medications in your planning. If you own a generator, check the oil, make sure it runs, and make sure you have enough fuel. Generators emit harmful carbon monoxide (CO), so be sure to run your generators outside at a safe distance from your home.
Make an emergency plan
As a family, create an emergency plan and share it with everyone in your home. Identify a meeting place in a safe area such as an interior room or downstairs bathroom in the event of a tornado or severe wind and lightening event. Include your pets’ well-being in the plan. An outdoor location is also recommended in the event of fire. Remember DO NOT TOUCH downed power lines.
Think of your neighbors
Check on your network of family and friends, especially the elderly and those with disabilities. Make sure they are prepared, and have a support network of people who can help them during a disaster. Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation.
Download the FEMA mobile app
Download the FEMA mobile app from the Apple App store or Google Play for disaster resources, weather alerts and safety tips. Available in English and Spanish, this app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. For more tips on how to prepare for disasters, visit Ready.gov
Sign Up for CTALERT
Stay Informed! The State of Connecticut has an Emergency Notification System to alert residents anywhere in the state about life threatening conditions. Subscribers can get notifications by cell phone, email, text message, or certain hearing-impaired devices. This free information is updated on the CTAlert website—register at portal.ct.gov/ctalert