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Hurricane season: What to do if a major storm impacts Southeastern CT

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satellite image of a hurricane

Hurricane season is upon us, and while Connecticut is not as frequently affected by hurricanes as some southern coastal areas, it is not immune to the potential impacts of these powerful storms. To ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones during hurricane season, it’s crucial to be prepared. Here are some essential tips for Connecticut residents to stay safe and be prepared in the event a hurricane impacts Southeastern Connecticut.

Stay Informed

The first step in hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Keep a close watch on weather forecasts and pay attention to any hurricane watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications through platforms like FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to receive timely updates.

Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit

A well-prepared emergency kit is essential for any disaster situation. Assemble your kit well in advance of hurricane season and include items like:

  • Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
  • Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
  • First-aid supplies and prescription medications
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies
  • Important documents (passport, insurance papers, identification)
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Pet supplies if you have pets

Develop an Evacuation Plan

In the event of a hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home. Plan your evacuation route in advance and communicate it with your family members. Identify local shelters or hotels that accept pets if you have them. Consider the needs of elderly family members or individuals with disabilities when planning your evacuation.

Water coming over road during hurricane

Secure Your Home

Prepare your home for a hurricane by taking the following steps:

  • Reinforce windows with hurricane shutters or plywood.
  • Trim trees and bushes to reduce the risk of debris during high winds.
  • Ensure your roof is in good condition and make any necessary repairs.
  • Elevate valuable items and electronics in your home to protect them from flooding.
  • Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

Stock Up on Supplies

Stock up on essential supplies well in advance of a hurricane. Grocery stores and gas stations may run out of supplies in the days leading up to a storm. Ensure you have enough food, water, and other necessities to last at least three days.

Health Considerations

Hurricanes can have a significant impact on your health. Here are some health-related tips:

  • Keep a supply of necessary medications on hand.
  • Stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses during power outages.
  • Avoid floodwaters, as they may be contaminated and pose health risks.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases by using repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Stay Connected

Maintain communication with friends and family during a hurricane. Share your whereabouts and safety status regularly. Consider investing in a backup power source for your phone, such as a portable charger or a car charger, as power outages can disrupt communication.

Norwich Cooling Center to open for forecasted extreme heat September 5-7

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heat advisory

With temperatures expected to reach the low 90s this week, the Norwich Cooling Center at the Rose City Senior Center will be open 5:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 7. The cooling center, located at 8 Mahan Drive in Norwich, has a capacity of 200.

Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Health has issued a reminder to all state residents to be very cautious when outside and to make sure they remain cool and hydrated.

From the DPH:

With temperatures anticipated to rise close to or into the low 90s this week, Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, is reminding individuals who will be spending time outside or in non-air-conditioned spaces to be cautious during periods of intense heat during the day.

The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period will rise close to or into the low 90s, and the heat index is expected to reach into the mid-90s in certain inland areas of the state. On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 5, and remaining in effect through 8 pm. on Thursday, Sept. 7.

“While Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, that doesn’t mean that we won’t continue to see high temperatures that will feel very hot and humid,” said Commissioner Juthani. “During this heat wave, residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler air-conditioned/shaded areas, and limit the time spent in direct sun. Additionally, more physical tasks should take place in the morning or evening, when the sun is less intense, and temperatures are cooler.”

Commissioner Juthani added that those who are experiencing heat stress should call for medical assistance immediately. Although anyone can be affected by heat-stress, those working outside are at a particularly high risk including:

  • Older individuals (over 65 years of age) who may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature
  • Those performing frequent high-exertion tasks (lifting, digging, walking) who may become dehydrated quickly and experience more intense heat stress
  • Those who have underlying health conditions, especially heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who take certain medications that put them at risk

 Follow the steps below to stay cool and hydrated while working in the heat:

 Stay Cool

Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must work outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the mornings and evenings.
  • Avoid working in direct sunlight and wear lightweight, light-colored, and moisture-wicking clothing.
  • Check on family members, especially those most at risk often.
  • If you feel ill working in the heat, notify a family member and stop working.

Stay Hydrated

Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

  • Drink more water than usual; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink more liquids.
  • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Drink about four cups of water every hour while working outside.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.

 

For more information about steps that employers and workers can take to reduce the risk of heat-related illness, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Occupational Health Program at (860) 509-7740 or email dph.occhealth@ct.gov.

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