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Greenwich Residents Urged To Prepare With Hurricane Season Under Way

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Hurricane season officially began June 1, and with the memories of Sandy and Irene still fresh, the government is advising Fairfield County resident to be prepared for potential natural disasters.

Government officials are advising Fairfield County residents to be prepared as hurricane season gets underway.

Government officials are advising Fairfield County residents to be prepared as hurricane season gets underway.

Photo Credit: File

Fairfield County residents should prepare for the 2014 hurricane and coastal storm season by reviewing their family emergency plans and checking on the emergency supplies they have at home, in their cars and at work.

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30.

“Every home should have a basic emergency plan that can be used for any emergency,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “I urge residents to know what potential risks your community and neighborhood may face, such as storm surge, flooding, road or bridge closures.”

State officials recommend having these items in a 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
  • A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Officials also recommend having a family emergency plan. Check out these tips for staying prepared in a weather emergency.

  • 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 Connecticut state alert services.

For more information and tips on how to prepare for a natural disaster, visit the National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness website.

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