What to Do BEFORE a Hurricane:
To prepare for a hurricane you should do the following:
- Have a plan for your family including children, loved ones with special needs and pets. The Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness has information on how to plan for an emergency. It is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole, Polish and Vietnamese.
- Have an emergency kit ready at all times. Your kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and other emergency supplies. You can learn more about building an emergency supply kit in the Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness.
- Learn the evacuation routes and where the designated shelters will be in your area in case you have to evacuate. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters.
- Check with your insurance company about your homeowners' insurance. Some may not cover flooding during a hurricane. Take photos of your home and its contents. For more information on preparing your home and making sure you have the right insurance coverage for a disaster, visit the Connecticut Department of Insurance.
- Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Determine how and where to secure your boat.
- Consider building a safe room.
- Make sure your car's gas tank is full of gas in case you have to evacuate.
Other helpful links:
During a Hurricane
Hurricane Home Page
Ready.gov
For more information about emergency preparedness contact DPH's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response: 860-509-8282 or www.ct.gov/dph/prepare