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STAMFORD, Conn. — The city has already begun preparing for Hurricane Sandy and the potential damage it may cause if it hits Stamford next week.
“Be aware of your risks and take precautionary measures to reduce the impact a hurricane can have on residents, businesses and our community,” Mayor Michael Pavia said in a news release Thursday. “Preparation can save lives.”
The mayor held a meeting with several city officials Thursday and will hold another Friday to make sure the city is ready for Hurricane Sandy, said Thaddeus Jankowski, director of public health, safety and welfare.
As of 6 p.m. Thursday, Hurricane Sandy was classified as a Category II and moving north at 20 mph, the release said. Severe weather or a hurricane can cause significant flooding, high winds and power outages, especially with a coastal town such as Stamford.
“Hurricane Sandy is being monitored very closely and will likely impact New England by Tuesday,” Jankowski said in the release.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it may close the Hurricane Barrier in Stamford Harbor at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and not reopen it until Oct. 31 because of the tidal surges expected with Sandy, the release said.
Additional information and alerts will be put on the city’s website.
Residents and business are urged to prepare:
- Make an Emergency Supply Kit: keep an extra cell phone car-charger in your automobile, bottled water, 3-5 day supply (1 gallon per person, per day), high-calorie, non-perishable food, i.e. granola/snack bars, etc., flashlights/battery operated lanterns, extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, extra clothes, first aid kit, if traveling with children, bring any necessary items.
- Develop and Rehearse an Emergency Plan; organize a plan for you and your family, should there be a disaster or emergency. Always inform loved ones where you are and where you are going, in case you become separated or need to relocate. 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.
- Register with Stamford’s Emergency Notification System, Code Red, to receive a phone message, text message whenever there is an urgent announcement or situational update. Visit: www.cityofstamford.org, and click on the “Register for Stamford Alert” button.
- Prepare to Evacuate If Necessary: If safety is at risk, a volunteer or mandated evacuation of an area may become necessary. If severe weather is imminent, arrange accommodations or make plans to stay with family or friends.
- Emergency Shelters will be open and be announced as necessary. If you must go to a shelter, be sure to pack any necessary medications or medical equipment, toiletries and bed linens.
- Keep Automobiles Prepared as long-term power outages may disable fuel stations. Keep a cell phone car-charger in the glove box.
- Care for your Pet: If you have a pet, have a carrier/crate and extra food on-hand for your pet should you need to travel or relocate to a shelter. Pets can stay at the shelter, but vaccinations must be up to date (tags or paperwork) and they must be crated.
- Stay Informed: Be sure to repeatedly check your local TV and radio stations, and the city’s website for news and information as it becomes available.
Additional tips on how to prepare for and respond to severe weather, visit: www.ready.gov and www.weather.gov.
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