Carter: “Please take some necessary precautions to ensure you and your family remain safe.”
Report by Paula Antolini
Jan 26, 2015 5:36PM EDT
Message from CT State Rep. Dan Carter:
Total snowfall is expected to range up to 15 – 30″ throughout the state.
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
With blizzard conditions predicted to begin this evening and continue through Tuesday, I would like to share some important storm-related information with you. Please take some necessary precautions to ensure you and your family remain safe.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy has declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the coming blizzard, which is anticipated to heavily impact the state over the next couple of days. In addition, the Governor announced that a travel ban for all roads is in effect beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight.
The Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) is closely monitoring the storm and is also participating in National Weather Service conference calls to get the latest information on the storm’s track. Regular updates to all municipalities and tribal nations are being analyzed and passed on to the public.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the entire state of Connecticut. Snowfall is predicted to accumulate 1 to 2 feet before late Tuesday. The wind is anticipated to peak at 25-35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55 miles per hour. Strong winds may cause downed trees and power lines which will result in a number of power outages.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has its entire fleet of snow plows, including 12 loader-mounted snow blowers, prepared to deploy. Luckily, the residual road treatment from the previous weekend storm will help in the efforts to pretreat the roads.
Preparedness Tips
Please consider creating an emergency supply kit, so you can be prepared for extended periods of possible power outages, or in case you become snowed-in.
Items to include in your kit:
One gallon of bottled water for drinking and sanitation per person, per day, for at least three days.
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for you and your pets.
A three-day supply of prescription medication.
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit.
A whistle to signal for help.
Moist towelettes.
Plastic trash bags and ties for personal sanitation.
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
Manual can opener.
Local maps.
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.
Extra fuel (stored in a safe container) for power generators or snow blowers.
In the event that emergency travel is necessary, fill up your car with gas, check oil and windshield washer fluid levels.
Remember, Connecticut law requires drivers to remove the snow from his/her car. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Check on neighbors who may need extra assistance.
Check your Utilities and Property
Snow build-up can cause the meter or gas appliance, like a furnace or hot water heater, to malfunction.
Snow build-up could also damage your roof so be sure to get Columbus roof repair after the storm has passed if you notice any leaks or damaged tiles.
If a vent is blocked, carbon monoxide could build up in your home.
A blocked vent could also cause a furnace or hot water heater to stop working. To limit the chances of your water heater to have issues, you’ll need to do some research into, What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need: A Guide for Homeowners to ensure you’re getting the correct size for your home.
Make sure sidewall and rooftop vents are clear of snow and ice.
Be aware of the dangers and risks of carbon monoxide (CO). The risk of illness or death from carbon monoxide increases in the winter.
Every home or business should have at least one working CO monitor inside.
Don’t pile snow on or near outside vents when shoveling or using a snowblower.
Don’t let dripping water or freezing rain build up on the meter or outside vent. The vent can become plugged when ice and snowmelt during the day and refreeze at night
To report a power outage, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) can be reached by calling 1-800-286-2000.
CL&P has urged individuals who are dependent on electricity for critical medical needs to make preparations now to switch to a backup source or move to an alternate location if there is a power outage.
The Connecticut American Red Cross, one of CL&P’s partners in emergency preparedness, provides helpful information and resources at www.ctredcross.org. Click here to see Winter Storm Safety tips from the Red Cross in English or Spanish.
Subscribe to Connecticut’s alert system which will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about severe weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc.
For more information on storm preparedness, please visit my website to find out what to do before, during, and after a storm; as well as what to do if you must travel by car, and if – in a worst case scenario – you become stuck.
In case of an emergency, life threatening situation, downed line or if you are in imminent danger please call 9-1-1.
As always, if you have questions or concerns about state government please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience at: 1-800-842-1423
Best Regards,
Dan Carter
You must be feeling similar to me. My status yesterday about differing opinions came from the frustration of listening to mud slinging over choices people make or don't make. Politics, Haelnwleo…why must a simple difference of opinion beget such passion. Save the passion for what really matters. Anyway, like your post. 😉