Get Ready for Hurricane Season

Submitted by: Bob Norton, Public Relations Liaison, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company

While the forecasters are trying their best to predict the path of storms heading towards Connecticut, it is never to early to have certain things in place.  When bad weather strikes, it is often too late to plan where to go, or what items you might need to have in order to make it through the storm comfortably.

The Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. is ready to handle emergencies year round.  When the prediction of severe weather is confirmed, additional planning and preparation takes place.  Resources are inventoried, supplies re-stocked and plans are made to have coverage throughout town in case travel becomes difficult.  The Fire Company works with other town and state agencies to handle emergencies that may be made more complex due to the storm.

The risks that our town might face during a hurricane can come from a number of areas.  Wind taking down trees which block roads, power lines down, flooded roads and basements are but a few of the emergencies that are likely to be encountered during and following a storm with tropical force winds or hurricane force winds. 

One of the bigger concerns often forgotten is how the Fire Company is often forced to handle routine emergencies during storms, but with extraordinary challenges.  For example, if someone develops a critical medical emergency, the normal response would be that the Fire Company sends its trucks/personnel.  In addition, the Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service sends a rig and paramedics from Middlesex Hospital are dispatched. 

If roads are closed due to wires and trees down, or driveways are impassible, the response may be delayed significantly and transport to the hospital affected.  Lifestar will not fly during bad weather.  Structure fires requiring out of town mutual aid may be severely impacted depending on what the storm is doing in our nearby communities.

Thus it is extremely important for all town residents to plan for the storm in order to be as self sufficient as possible.  There are two important pieces to planning for a storm of any magnitude – creating a storm supply kit, and creating a family emergency plan.

Some items that the kit should contain are drinking water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days), food for all age groups in the family, blankets/pillows, clothing/shoes, first aid kit, medications/prescriptions, special items for infants/elderly, toiletries, moisture wipes, flashlights with batteries, battery operated radio, fully charged cell phone with backup battery if possible, traditional style (not cordless) telephone, cash (ATMs/credit card machines may be down), keys, toys/books/games for kids, important documents in waterproof holders, tools, pet care/pet food items etc.

A plan should include knowing any specific vulnerability you may have at your home (water, wind damage etc.), locate a safe room within the house in case of high wind/water, plan a home escape route and meeting point nearby, have an out-of-state family member or friend to use as a point of contact should you be separated from your family, plan for your pets should you need to evacuate, listen to local radio stations or NOAA weather radio for storm updates.

Once the storm has passed, the danger may not have been eliminated.  Take great care when surveying or moving downed trees that no power wires may be hidden or tangled.  Clear the access to your house in case of emergencies as soon as possible.

The Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. members have their own homes and families to prepare for and take care of during bad weather – but they will also be there to help the community as they have since 1930.

More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved can be found on our website – www.HaddamFire.com.