From the Mayor's Office:
Mayor Scott D. Jackson wishes to assure Hamden residents that the Town is in full-scale preparation mode for the upcoming storm.
However, there are steps that residents should take over the next few days to protect themselves, their families, and their property from next week's anticipated storm.
1: CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT.
This kit should include the following items:
*Water -at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
*Food -at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
*Blankets / Pillows, etc.
*Clothing -seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
*First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
*Special Items -for babies and the elderly
*Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
* Flashlight / Batteries
* Radio - Battery operated
* Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
* Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards -Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
* Keys
* Toys, Books and Games
* Important documents -in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
* Tools -keep a set with you during the storm
* Vehicle fuel tanks filled
* Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash
2. CLEAR CATCHBASINS AND DRAINAGE CULVERTS NEAR YOUR HOME.
Although Hamden Public Works is working diligently to clear catch basins, there are more than 6000 catch basin locations in the Town of Hamden.
It would be extremely helpful if all residents could look at catch basins near their homes and clear the tops of any and all debris so that water can flow smoothly into the storm sewer system.
3. CLEAR YARD OF ANY ITEMS. In hurricane-force winds, even small items in a yard can become projectiles. Residents should garage or bring inside lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, and other items safe to store indoors.
4. CHARGE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES required for communication or entertainment.
5. REVIEW YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY HOUSEHOLD EVACUATION PLAN. An emergency evacuation plan has two parts: evacuation from your house, and evacuation from your neighborhood.
Important points to remember when creating an evacuation plan for your home are:
• You should have at least two (2) escape routes from each room.
• You should mark the locations of any escape ladders, or other special
equipment.
• You should mark the locations of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first aid kits, disaster kit.
• You should mark the locations of the shutoffs for gas, water, and electricity.
• For people with medical conditions or disabilities, mark their location as well as the location of any special equipment they will immediately need.
• Should it be deemed necessary, Hamden's Emergency Shelter will be located at Hamden High School, 2040 Dixwell Avenue. You should plan multiple routes to this location.
At the time of an emergency, your family may not be together. It is important to choose family meeting places. Remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked by debris, so choose your meeting places carefully with access in mind. Pick places that are easy to identify, that can be reached on foot if necessary, and that are in an accessible, open area.
You should have a phone list of 3 contacts, outside of your area. Each family member should carry a personal copy of this list. In an emergency, communications may be down in your area.
6. BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE. It is not advisable to try to drive during a storm event like Hurricane Sandy. Once the winds pick up, you should be prepared to shelter in place until the storm event subsides. Should roadways be underwater, DO NOT DRIVE INTO OR THROUGH THE WATER. Water depths on submerged roadways are easily misjudged and could result in vehicular damage and/or bodily harm.
General Guidelines
Please visit the Town of Hamden's website at www.hamden.com for preparedness information and links to additional helpful websites.
In addition regular updates regarding storm conditions and the town's efforts will be posted on the Town of Hamden's Facebook page and on Twitter @townofhamden.
