Time to Take Hurricane Irene Seriously

With Hurricane Irene taking aim at the East Coast, it is time for residents of Connecticut to start taking the threat seriously and begin making preparations.

As of 2 a.m. Thursday, Irene was located at 24.2 North and 76.0 West with sustained winds at 115 mph. The storm is moving NW at 12 mph. A Category 2 storm, Irene is expected to strengthen on Thursday, perhaps reaching Category 4.

Current projections have Irene moving toward North Carolina with its eye situated off the coast on Saturday. The outer banks could experience tropical storm-force winds by Friday night, with the worst of the storm being felt Saturday afternoon. The storm is expected to continue north off the mid-Atlantic Coast toward New England. Significant impact from Irene should be felt in Connecticut on Sunday, with heavy rain, flooding and possibly hurricane-force winds.

Governor Dannel Malloy is urging residents to take the threat seriously.

Malloy is leading a call with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and state agency heads Thursday morning to receive an update on Hurricane Irene and preparations for any related bad weather.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of Connecticut residents,” Malloy said Wednesday. “Last winter during record snow, residents aided efforts immensely by following the advice of our emergency services personnel and staying off the roads. We are urging people to stay informed during hurricane season as well – if bad weather is going to impact the state, we will be ready, and want residents to be prepared too.”

Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford said there are three things residents can do to aid in their preparation.

“I recommend that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps: get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed,” Bradford said. ”We cannot become complacent, it is vital that we are prepared.”

DESPP is holding daily conference calls with the National Weather Service and FEMA, and regularly updating municipalities on the storm track.

“Although hurricanes are unpredictable, this storm has the potential to impact Connecticut and we need to be prepared.” DESPP Deputy Commissioner Peter Boynton 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.”

DESPP has planned a Hurricane Irene media update call for Thursday.

It is not too soon to start planning and taking precautions. Some tips:

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• 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
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• 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 can 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 bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. In Connecticut, go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for alerts.

Other preparations

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.
• Have cash on hand.
• Fill up your gas tank.
• Secure or shelter loose items in your yard.
• Have a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person in household for each day)
• Stock up on pet food and have pet carriers and leashes readily available.
• Keep your cell phone fully charged.

The Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) and Red Cross also have tips that you can view on the attached pdfs.

For the latest information on Hurricane Irene, visit the NOAA web site or wfsb.com. The Weather Channel also is providing around-the-clock television coverage.