Politics & Government

First Selectman Stevenson & Gov. Malloy: Be Prepared, People!

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson issued the following news release at 5:27 p.m. Wednesday:

Today, I join Governor Malloy in reminding Darien residents that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and residents should be mindful of preparedness measures.  Although Super Storm Sandy affected Connecticut last year on October 29, the principal threat period for Connecticut is from mid-August through mid-October.

“I urge residents to know what potential risks your community and neighborhood may face, such as storm surge, flooding, road or bridge closures,” Governor Malloy said.  “Personal preparedness is essential.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a very active hurricane season with 13 to 20 named storms.  Around 7 to 11 of them could become hurricanes, with 3 to 6 possibly becoming major hurricanes.  This is well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

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  • 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
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • 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
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Family Emergency Plan

Sign up for Darien’s CodeRED emergency notification system to receive important and timely public safety messages.

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  • 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.

 Thank you for being prepared!

Jayme Stevenson

First Selectman, Town of Darien


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