By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
(August 20, 2021) — Tropical Storm Henri, currently climbing north off the East Coast, is expected to have significant weather impacts in Connecticut on Sunday into Monday. Current storm tracks, as of this morning, show the storm making landfall in Southern New England on Sunday, with Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts all within the storm’s potential track. Perhaps the highest risks are for shoreline communities and ones near the coast, as even if the storm turns and moves offshore, high water levels could cause flooding and high surf and rip currents. Damaging winds, storm surge and heavy rain will all pose threats to the public as well. Should the storm continue traveling east, Connecticut could likely be spared from the worst of its impacts, but staying updated on its latest changes will be important in coming days.
Preparing an Emergency Kit
In the event of severe storms, residents are encouraged to prepare emergency supply kits. These can and should include at least one gallon of water per person per day, for both drinking and sanitation; a three-day supply of non-perishable food; a battery-powered radio; flashlights and extra batteries; first aid kits; garbage bags for sanitation; manual can openers for food; cell phones with chargers, inverters or solar charges; food and litter needs for any pets; and medicine or any special-need items, among other items.
Make Sure You Know What to Do in Event of Extreme Weather
It’s also advised to develop a family emergency plan, making sure you and your loved ones know what to do in the event of extreme weather. Make sure you know where local shelters are and what your evacuation zone is, especially if you live along the shoreline, and identify an out-of-town contact in the event that family members become separated; someone in another state unaffected by the storm could coordinate communication among multiple people. Every member of the family should know that emergency contact. Setting up a family group text is also a good idea; text messages may be more deliverable than phone calls and use less battery life.
Protecting your possessions is vital, especially taking precautions well before a storm. Review insurance policies now to make sure your coverage is adequate – contact your agent or the Department of Insurance if you need to make sure you are covered in the event of a storm. Also, make an inventory of possessions and keep policy and insurance contact information in safe places.
In past years, hurricanes have caused extensive power outages, property damage and flooding, with some storms unfortunately causing injury and even death to members of the public. It’s important to make sure you are prepared and ready in the event of a serious weather event well before an event may occur.
In past years, hurricanes have caused extensive power outages, property damage and flooding, with some storms unfortunately causing injury and even death to members of the public. It’s important to make sure you are prepared and ready in the event of a serious weather event well before an event may occur.
