Press Releases

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and state emergency management officials are reminding Connecticut residents that as the height of the Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, people should take needed steps to prepare for any type of severe weather that may impact the state. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the principle threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

As part of preparation efforts, the Governor is also encouraging residents to download the state’s recently launched “CTPrepares” mobile app for their smart phone and tablet devices. The app, which can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides Connecticut residents with information and alerts in emergency situations, and also gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency. Since launching last year, the app has been downloaded on more than 10,000 devices.

“Communication and preparedness are vital to our resiliency in any storm or emergency,” Governor Malloy said. “Taking preparedness steps will help ready everyone for any disaster or emergency you may encounter.”

“Now is the time to get ready and with just a keystroke, everyone can be more prepared by downloading the CTPrepares app to their mobile devices,” Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Dora Schriro said. “In a matter of a few minutes you can be better prepared for any disaster or emergency that comes your way, and that’s especially important as we approach the height of this year’s hurricane season in Connecticut.”

The following list offers preparedness tips for residents:

Recommended Items to Include in a 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
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Food and litter requirements for any pets
Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants

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, and it uses less battery life. Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones.

Subscribe to alert services. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.

Protecting Your Possessions

It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
Review your policy with an agent, or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your
coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.