MAYOR DESTEFANO ORDERS CITY DEPARTMENTS TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE IRENE

(8/25/2011) Preparedness Information Available of City Website

(New Haven) – Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. and City officials are urging residents to begin taking precautions as Hurricane Irene, makes its way up the Atlantic seaboard. The hurricane is currently on course to hit New Haven late Sunday afternoon.

“The City of New Haven’s emergency operations center is coordinating with the Police and Fire Departments as well as Public Works and other city agencies,” said Mayor DeStefano. “The Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated Sunday. Residents should take measures to prepare themselves for the impending hurricane. The City has posted preparedness information on our website: www.cityofnewhaven.com .”

Some of the steps the city is taking to prepare for the storm are:

• Senior center staff will review with seniors the importance of a personal emergency plan and kit, and a pet plan/kit.

• All senior housing complexes have received the City's hurricane brochure.

• Clearing high priority catch basins.

• Blocking off streets that have experience flooding in previous storms.

• Tree crews are on alert.

• Police and Fire Departments will have extra personnel on duty.

• The City is coordinating with the various utilities,

Residents are encouraged to take the following steps:

Before the Storm

• Make an evacuation plan.

• Replace batteries in portable radios and flashlights.

• Ensure you have enough water and non-perishable food on hand.

• Make sure roof drains, gutters and down spouts are clean of any debris.

• If you leave, notify relatives and friends of your destination.

Hurricane Evacuation Kit

• Flashlight

• Battery-Operated Radio

• Extra Batteries

• First Aid Kit

• Blankets or Sleeping Bags

• Water and non-perishable food

• Extra Clothing

• Prescription Medications & Glasses

• Unique family needs, infant supplies

• Hygiene supplies (toothpaste, soap, razor, etc.)

• Important documents, including: I.D., Insurance Policies, Drivers License, birth certificate

During the Storm

• Check media outlets for official news of the storm’s progress.

• Stay inside your home. DO NOT leave unless told to by emergency officials.

• Turn off all propane tanks and utilities as instructed.

• Unplug small appliances.

• Stay away from windows and doors.

• Turn refrigerator to coldest setting and keep closed.

• Fill a bathtub, sink or large containers with water for sanitary purposes.

• Do not use candles

• LEAVE IMMEDIATELY IF TOLD BY EMERGENCY OFFICIALS TO DO SO.

After the Storm

• Check media outlets for official news of the storm passing and road conditions.

• Wait until an area is declared safe before entering and Avoid Disaster Area’s.

• Stay away from moving water and watch for downed wires.

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Contact Name: Adam Joseph

Contact Email: AJoseph@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660