Hamden Mayor Scott D. Jackson said the town is in "full-scale preparation mode." for the upcoming storm.

 However, there are steps that residents should

take over the next 24 hours to protect themselves, their families, and their property from this

anticipated storm, Jackson said.

1: CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT. This kit should include the following items:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

— foods for infants or the elderly

— snack foods

— non-electric can opener

— cooking tools / fuel

— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not

cordless) telephone set

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Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be

available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic

bag insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

— proper identification / immunization records / medications

— ample supply of food and water

— a carrier or cage

— muzzle and leash

2. CLEAR CATCHBASINS AND DRAINAGE CULVERTS NEAR YOUR HOME.

Although Hamden Public Works is working diligently to clear catchbasins, there are more

than 6000 catchbasin locations in the Town of Hamden. It would be extremely helpful if

all residents could look at catchbasins near their homes and clear the tops of any and all

debris so that water can flow smoothly into the storm sewer system.

3. CLEAR YARD OF ANY ITEMS. In hurricane-force winds, even small items in a yard

can become projectiles. Residents should garage or bring inside lawn furniture, toys,

potted plants, and other items safe to store indoors.

4. CHARGE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES required for communication or entertainment.

5. REVIEW YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY HOUSEHOLD EVACUATION PLAN. An

emergency evacuation plan has two parts: evacuation from your house, and evacuation

from your neighborhood.

Important points to remember when creating an evacuation plan for your home are:

· You should have at least two (2) escape routes from each room.

· You should mark the locations of any escape ladders, or other special

equipment.

· You should mark the locations of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first aid

kits, disaster kit.

· You should mark the locations of the shutoffs for gas, water, and electricity.

· For people with medical conditions or disabilities, mark their location as well as

the location of any special equipment they will immediately need.

· Hamden’s Emergency Shelter will be located at Hamden High School, 2040

Dixwell Avenue. You should plan multiple routes to this location.

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At the time of an emergency, your family may not be together. It is important to choose family

meeting places. Remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked by debris, so

choose your meeting places carefully with access in mind. Pick places that are easy to identify,

that can be reached on foot if necessary, and that are in an accessible, open area. You should have

a phone list of 3 contacts, outside of your area. Each family member should carry a personal copy

of this list. In an emergency, communications may be down in your area.

6. BE PREPARED TO SHELTER IN PLACE. It is not advisable to try to drive during a

storm event like Hurricane Irene. Once the winds pick up, you should be prepared to

shelter in place until the storm event subsides. Should roadways be underwater, DO NOT

DRIVE INTO OR THROUGH THE WATER. Water depths on submerged roadways are

easily misjudged and could result in vehicular damage and/or bodily harm.

General Guidelines

Please visit the Town of Hamden’s website at www.hamden.com for preparedness information and

links to additional helpful websites.

For up to date local information, please use the following media outlets:

TV

WTNH – Channel 8 Fox 61

WFSB – Channel 3 WVIT – Channel 30

New Haven Register, http://www.nhregister.com/

Radio

WQUN – AM 1220 WKCI – 101.3 FM

WELI – AM 960 WPLR – 99.1FM

FOR ANY NON-EMERGENCY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL (203) 230-4000.

IN THE EVENT OF A TRUE EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911.

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