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Gov. Malloy Urges Connecticut To Watch Sandy

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — Connecticut residents should begin monitoring Hurricane Sandy and be prepared in case it makes landfall in or near the state, Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement Thursday. 

The latest track from the National Hurricane Center has Sandy approaching New Jersey on Tuesday, but other forecasts have it hitting farther south or farther north.

The latest track from the National Hurricane Center has Sandy approaching New Jersey on Tuesday, but other forecasts have it hitting farther south or farther north.

Photo Credit: National Hurricane Center

“Some models predict that Sandy may move onshore somewhere in New England early next week," Malloy said. "Although we are not certain the storm will impact the state, we need to be prepared. That means everyone, especially the state’s utility companies.”

Forecasts say Sandy will weaken and won't bring snow if it hits Connecticut. Heavy rain, damaging winds and storm surges along the coast and potential widespread power outages are expected.

A year ago Monday, Connecticut suffered its most power outages ever when a freak October snowstorm left more than 800,000 customers in the dark. 

“The past year has been all about improving storm response,” Bill Quinlan, Connecticut Light & Power’s senior vice president of emergency preparedness, said in a press release issued Wednesday not related to Sandy. “With many enhancements already tested during this summer’s storms, CL&P employees stand ready, stronger and better prepared to respond to whatever this winter may bring.”

The state suggest the following preparations: 

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
  • Can opener
  • 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 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 alert services. Many communities/states now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about severe weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. In Connecticut, go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for alerts.

For more information on Hurricane Preparedness, visit ct.gov/hurricane.

 

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