West Hartford Issues Parking Ban and Updated Plans for Hurricane Irene

In anticipation of Hurricane Irene’s arrival on Sunday, the is continuing to develop action plans and provide valuable information to ensure the safety of town residents.

John Phillips has issued a parking ban, to go into effect beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. The ban will remain in effect until conditions warrant its expiration.

A rented generator will be installed at on Friday evening. To facilitate that installation, which is being overseen by Interim Fire Chief Gary Allyn, all power will be disconnected for several hours. Residents should be aware that telephone and Internet service at town hall will not be available, and there will be no access to West Hartford Community TV during that time.

Once complete, the generator will be available to power much of the building, which is currently designated as a secondary emergency shelter. , which is the primary shelter, is already equipped with a generator.

Mayor Scott Slifka has recorded a 6-minute message for West Hartford residents regarding the hurricane and the town’s readiness to deal with it. His message includes the phone number of the emergency operations center at the West Hartford police station (860-523-5203).

To view and listen to his message, click on the link and hit the play button to start the video. Mayor Slifka has also indicated that he will provide updates as the storm progresses. Those messages can be viewed on WHC-TV Channel 5 or online at http://www.whctv.org.

The American Red Cross and other organizations have already published extensive precautions and checklists. Planning for any storm emergency requires considering all likely scenarios that could result when things that you rely on daily, like electricity, water, heat, telephone service and transportation, are disrupted or lost for a considerable amount of time. 

Emergency management planners suggest having enough supplies for you and your family for three-to-five days for weather-related events. The seven basic items that you should have in your home are 1) water, 2) food, 3) a first-aid kit, 4) clothing and bedding, 5) tools, 6) emergency supplies, and 7) medications and specialty items.

West Hartford has also published the following information, which has been delivered to town residents who subscribe to the List Serve. Specific details and contact information which may be required by West Hartford residents has been provided, as well as generic storm tips:

PRACTICAL TIPS:  

• Dial 911 for an emergency; Call the Emergency Operations Center at (860) 523-5203 with questions or concerns.
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank
• Store items in your yard that can become airborne
• Have a flashlight with extra batteries ready
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to a higher setting to keep items extra cold before the storm
• Charge your cell phone
• Have an out-of-town emergency contact
• Avoid making a phone call; Text a message instead
• Get items off your basement floor to avoid damage caused by flooding. (Please note: The Fire Department does not have the resources to pump basements. Please call only if the water has risen to the level of the first-floor living area.)

 WHAT TO DO WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT:

• Check to see if your neighbors have power. It may be only in your home, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit. If your neighbors are also without service, call Northeast Utilities at 860-947-2000.  If you must go outside to assess the situation, take a flashlight and watch for downed power lines that could still be energized. If downed lines are located, don’t go near them or touch anything that they may be in contact with.  Report downed power lines immediately.
• Turn off all major appliances. Leave just a couple of light switches on in the home and the front porch light. When major appliances are left on, they could overload electric lines when power is restored causing a second outage.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Food can be kept cold enough for a day or two, if the doors are kept closed. Try to consume perishable foods first. Some partially frozen foods can be refrozen as long as they contain ice crystals or are no warmer than 40 ºF Fahrenheit. Consider purchasing a thermometer for both the refrigerator and freezer. Don't refreeze seafood, poultry, ice cream, cream sauces or anything susceptible to spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Use flashlights or battery operated lanterns to illuminate your home. Candles and kerosene lanterns are not recommended for lighting because of the inherent fire safety hazards.
• Use portable emergency generators for limited electrical power during an outage. But, take care to ensure that they do not pose a threat to you and your family. Never fuel or run a portable generator in the home or garage, as gas-powered generators pose a serious fire and carbon monoxide threat. Always operate according to the manufacturer's instructions. For additional information on the proper use of emergency generators, call Northeast Utilities at (800) 286-2000.
• Water systems with electric pumps, such as wells or cisterns, will not operate when the power is out. Use alternate sources of water until power is restored.
• Gas appliances may not work if the electricity is off because the equipment may require electricity for ignition or valve operation.
• Life support equipment required for family members who depend on these devices (respirators, ventilators, oxygen equipment or other life-sustaining devices) should be listed with the West Hartford Fire Department and the power company, with your doctor's approval. You should have a contingency plan that includes an alternate power source for the device and an alternate location for the person. 

EMERGENCY SHELTER (SHELTER IN PLACE, FIRST):

When conditions warrant, West Hartford's Emergency Management Team may establish a community-based shelter where residents can seek refuge ONLY IF the home is not safe to stay in (for example, the home is damaged during the storm). Elmwood Community Center, located at 1106 New Britain Avenue, will be open on Sunday, August 28 at 11 a.m. as an emergency shelter. The West Hartford Fire Department and Department of Human Services, assisted by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross, staffs and operates the shelter.

Before going to a public shelter, consider SHELTERING IN PLACE or going to a friend’s or relative’s house. Persons with severe medical conditions are advised to shelter in place, if possible. Persons needing a shelter are asked to bring a change of clothing, personal care items such as soap, shampoo, tooth paste, and towel, a blanket and pillow, a flashlight, pre-filled prescription and other medical needs, denture and eye care items, and special dietary supplies or requirements. With the exception of guide dogs or service animals, pets are not permitted at the shelter.

KEEPING INFORMED:  

Getting information during an emergency situation is vital, especially at the height of the event.  Keep a battery-operated radio handy. Radio and television stations provide the quickest means to obtain information as well as cable television channel 5 (West Hartford Community Television) and channel 95 (West Hartford Government & Education).

CHECK ON NEIGHBORS AND RELATIVES:

During storms and other emergency events, check to see how your relatives and neighbors are coping, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities. If possible, consider helping them plan or locate resources for assistance. The West Hartford Department of Human Services can be reached at (860) 561-7560.

PET CARE DURING EMERGENCIES:

Emergency planning should include all members of the family, including pets. If your family must re-locate to a shelter or other site, confine your pet (if appropriate) to a specific room in the house and provide plenty of food and water to sustain the animal while you are away. If possible, arrange for someone to board the animal, or locate a relative or friend who can check on its well being on a regular basis.

Here are some links for additional information:

• Federal Emergency Management – www.ready.gov
• West Hartford - www.westhartford.org
• State of Connecticut - www.state.ct.us
• American Red Cross - www.ctredcross.org
• Northeast Utilities - www.nu.com
• Connecticut Natural Gas - www.ctcorp.com
• The Metropolitan District - www.themdc.com
• Southern New England Telephone - www.snet.com
• CL&P, Power Outage Map - http://www.cl-p.com/outage/outagemap.aspx