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Inclement Weather and Disaster Resources

Prepare for Hurricanes

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now predict hurricanes, but people who live in coastal communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate.

  • Get a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable kit in case you have to evacuate.
  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
  •  A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate.
  • Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
  • A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
  •  Prepare to secure your property.
  • Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
  •  Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

Plan to Evacuate

  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
  • If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.
  • Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
  • Identify several places you could go in an emergency, a friend’s home in another town, a motel or public shelter.
  • If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.
  • Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
  • Take your emergency supply kit.

Disaster Planning Tips

  • Disaster Planning Tips for Pets
  • Disaster Planning Tips for Birds
  • Disaster Planning Tips for Livestock
  • Disaster Planning Tips for Wildlife

Resources

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

Water

  • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
  • If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
  • Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Food

  • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
  • Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
  • Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
  • Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.
  • Choose foods your family will eat.
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  • Protein or fruit bars
  • Dry cereal or granola
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried fruit
  • Nuts
  • Crackers
  • Canned juices
  • Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  • High energy foods
  • Vitamins
  • Food for infants
  • Comfort/stress foods
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • 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
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-inplace
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank
  • account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a coldweather climate
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
  • Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part
  • bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water
  • by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented,
  • color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Fire Marshal and Fire Investigator

Fire Marshal Office Hours By Appointment

The Fire Marshal and Fire Investigator oversee and coordinate fire-related safety issues and programs. This includes investigating the causes of fire damage and inspecting all local healthcare and liquor establishments on an annual basis. Blasting and burning permits also originate from this office. Burning permits will be issued for weekend use only.

  • Fire Marshal Richard Leighton
  • Fire Investigator Dave Roberge

Fire Commission

The Fire Commission actively participates in regional emergency response planning. Affiliated with both the Department of Emergency Management and the Homeland Security Region 2 Emergency Management Planning Working-group, the commission provides input from the perspective of a small town in the Connecticut River Valley.