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Hurricane Isaias Heading Our Way: Here’s The Plan

July 31, 2020

With Tropical Storm Isaias tracking through Connecticut, it’s a good time for a storm preparedness refresher from Hartford HealthCare‘s Emergency Operations team:

1. Make a PLAN
Plan before you act. It will help you prepare and assure family members.

  • Take time before the storm to talk to your family and neighbors about what to do.
  • Find a safe space. Remember: Sometimes, especially if you live on the coast or in manufactured housing, the safest space may not be your home.
  • Make sure fuel tanks are filled on all vehicles.
  • Talk about escape routes: Agree on where your family will go if you leave your home — a friend’s house in another town, a hotel, a shelter.
  • Make a list of important phone numbers.
  • Make sure children know how and when to call 911.
  • Think about what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
  • Check your insurance coverage: Flood damage is not usually covered

2. SECURE your home
Take time before the storm to keep your property safe.

  • Bring in anything that can be picked up by wind (lawn furniture, bicycles, lawn decorations).
  • Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
  • Shut off propane tanks.
  • If the storm is imminent, turn refrigerators and freezers to coldest setting and keep closed as much as possible so food will stay fresh longer if power fails.

3. Make a KIT
Before the storm, make sure you have the supplies you may need

  • Water — At least a 3-day of supply; plan on 1 gallon a day per person.
  • Food — At least a 3-day supply: non-perishable packaged or canned foods and juices, foods for infants or the elderly, non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates / plastic utensils.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Prescription drugs: 7-day supply.
  • Toiletries / personal hygiene items / moisture wipes.
  • Flashlights.
  • Extra batteries.Radio — Battery-operated or hand-crank (NOAA weather radio, if possible).
  • Phones — fully charged cell phones, with chargers.
  • Blankets / pillows / sleeping bags.
  • Clothing — seasonal clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes.
  • Cash (some small bills) and credit cards.
  • Keys: House, car, other.
  • Copies of important documents (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card). Put them in a waterproof container or a watertight resealable plastic bag.
  • Tools — keep a small portable set with you during the storm.
  • Map of area — for alternate routes if roads are closed.
  • Camera for photos of damage.

Special items as needed:

  • For infants/toddlers: food, diapers, wipes, toys.
  • For the elderly: glasses, hearing aids, assistive devices, medications.
  • For pets: food, carrier/cage, collar, muzzle, leash, medications, ID, bowl.

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care provider.

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Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600). 

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