Durham Readies for Hurricane Irene

Severe Weather from Hurricane Irene is expected across the state later in the week. This also may result significant rainfall and loss of power. 

If sustained power outages occur, the Town of Durham is prepared to open Emergency Shelters as necessary.  Since most residents will choose to "shelter in place" as long as they can, the Emergency Shelter will be opened as needed.  

We have activated our Non-Emergency Storm Line. Please call (860) 343-6735 to request any storm related help and support. Leave a message that will be promptly transferred to the official on duty.  **PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE A RETURN PHONE NUMBER***

Call 911 for all emergencies.

Follow these three easy steps to stay ready:

1. GET A KIT

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• 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
• Whistle to signal for help
• Keep your cell phone charged every day.  Consider purchasing car charger, inverter or solar charger
• If you have a generator.  Make sure it is properly functioning and you have enough fuel on hand.
• Refill any prescriptions close to expiration date.
• Don't forget your pet supplies and a pet first aid kit.  Pet First Aid Kits for sale , from D.A.R.T. Durham Animal Response Team. Call (860) 349-0410 for more info on how to purchase your Pet First Aid Kit

For detailed preparedness information please go to www.ready.gov

2. MAKE A PLAN

Make sure your Family has an 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 that you are ok.
• 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.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging (also known as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
• Planning to Stay or Go? Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information, including what you are learning here, to determine if there is an immediate danger.  In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for information or official instruction as it becomes available.

3. STAY INFORMED

Stay informed before, during and after any emergency

• Subscribe to the Town of Durham - SAFER DURHAM NOTIFICATION SYSTEM, please go to www.townofdurhamct.org/saferdurham.
• Please let your friends and neighbors know about the hotline, especially those who you think may not have access to electronic messaging.
• For up to date information, please refer to the Town Website, Facebook, Twitter Accounts or the Town's Emergency Storm Line at (860) 343-6735.
• Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments

Thank you and & Be Safe!

Francis S. Willett
Director of Emergency Management