With winter’s extreme weather fast approaching I wanted to share some safety tips with you. Of course, common sense is the most important factor in keeping your family safe but it never hurts to brush up on what to have prepared and what do in an emergency.State Director of Emergency Management William J. Hackett recommends that all Connecticut residents take three simple preparedness steps: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. Taking these three simple steps can greatly enhance our resiliency to any emergency.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) offers the following Winter Weather Preparedness Tips:
WINTER EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
· Flashlight and extra batteries
· Portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
· Charged cell phone
· First-aid kit
· Essential prescription medicines
· Non-perishable Food
· Water (one gallon per person/per day)
· Extra blankets and sleeping bags
· Fire extinguisher
FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), and have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family contact’. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance than across town. Also, calling outside the area will probably be easier than calling into a disaster area.
Make sure everyone knows the name, address and telephone number of the contact person.
Sometimes an emergency could impact your neighborhood or small section of town. Decide on an alternate meeting area for family members.
BE INFORMED Be familiar with the Emergency Plans at your children’s school and your workplace. Be aware of the location of your community’s potential emergency shelters and possible evacuation routes. Monitor the media.
For more information please visit www.ready.gov/winter
