9/1/2018 - Be Prepared: September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month
Now is a good time to make a plan for yourself and your family in the event of an emergency. Planning before disaster strikes enables you and members of your family to be prepared and ready to react on a moment’s notice. Here are some suggested steps you can take now:
Click on the following link to be informed, plan ahead and to take action in the event of a disaster:
https://www.ready.gov/september
Sign up for Notification Alerts:
Please take a minute to sign up for Trumbull’s Citizen Alert System. You may choose how you would like to be notified of important information in the event of an emergency.
Trumbull Citizen Alert System
The utility companies serving Trumbull, United Illuminating and Eversource, encourage you to sign up for alerts to receive information in the event of a power outage.
UI Outage Alerts
Eversource Outage Alerts
Create a First Aid Kit
• Sterile bandages (variety of sizes)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Cleansing agent
• Sunscreen
• Latex gloves
• Over the counter medications you regularly use
Stock Up On Non-Perishable Food
• Ready to eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup
• Staples – sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, trail mix, granola bars
• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Specialty foods for infants and/or the elderly
• Pet food and supplies
Gather Tools and Supplies
• Prescription medication
• Contact lenses and/or extra eye glasses
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener
• A whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Disinfectant
• Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
• Local map
Make a Family Emergency Plan
- 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.
- Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life. Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones.
- Subscribe to alert services. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.
Protecting Your Possessions
- It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
- Review your policy with an agent, or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
- Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
- Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.