Hurricane Irene Update: First Selectman Urges CTAlert Registration

26 August 2011: Hurricane Irene update

Hurricane Irene will almost certainly have a major impact on Killingworth, whatever changes occur in the next couple of days. If current forecasts hold, we will experience very strong winds
and up to 10 inches of rain, mostly on Sunday. If Connecticut is hit hard, Killingworth could be without power for a number of days, and, of course, our tree-lined roads will need a lot of work to make them passable.

The town’s emergency management team, headed by Don McDougall, our Director of Emergency Management, is keeping close track of the storm. If necessary, we will open an emergency shelter at Killingworth Elementary School (340 Route 81) on Sunday morning. We will announce the opening of the shelter or any other vital information on:

· The town website, www.townofkillingworth.com

· www.Killingworthtoday.com

· http://Durhampatch.com

· WLIS 1420 AM

· WCNX 980 AM

· WFSB Channel 3

· Channel 8

· Channel 19

“Reverse 911” emergency notifications will go out to all land lines in Killingworth. Once again, I urge you to register with CTAlert, which will send the same notifications to your cell phone or other device.

If you need to go to the shelter, please remember to bring:

·Any medications or medical equipment you might need

·Food needed for special dietary requirements

·Snack food if possible

Cats, dogs, and other small pets may be brought to the shelter:

· All vaccinations must be up to date; bring papers showing vaccination record.

· Animal must be in a crate or cage.

· Bring several days of food, and dishes for water and food.

Before the storm, please be sure to:

· Fill your bathtubs with water and store enough drinking water for several days. We recommend one gallon of water per person per day.

· Charge your cell phones and avoid using them except for emergencies. Remember that cordless land-line phones will not work if we lose power.

· Make sure you have a supply on hand of any medications, medical equipment, and food for special dietary requirements.

· Fill your car’s gas tank.

· If you have a generator, put it where it can be safely operated, not indoors, and safely store
fuel to keep it running.

· If you think you might need medical attention, visit your health care provider now, before
the storm arrives.

· Remember that your car radio will work if we lose power to our houses.

I will be available at Town Hall on Saturday; you can reach me by telephone at 860-663-1765.

As the British say, keep calm and carry on.