The National Hurricane Center expect Henri, now classified as a Category 1 hurricane, to reach Connecticut near New Haven Sunday afternoon or evening as much of the state’s coastline remains under a hurricane warning with sustained winds of 70 mph, extensive flooding and possible long-term power outages.
The National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning for New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. The state’s other counties — Fairfield, Hartford, Tolland, Litchfield and Windham — have tropical storm warnings.
Eversource is now classifying the storm as a Level 3 event, with loss of power for close to half of its customer for five to 10 days.
Gov. Ned Lamont said he would declare a state of emergency, calling 200 National Guard members to state active duty to aid the response.
The Hartford HealthCare Emergency Operations team offers these suggestions for storm preparedness:
1. Make a PLAN
Plan before you act. It will help you prepare and assure family members.
- Take time before the storm to talk to your family and neighbors about what to do.
- Find a safe space. Remember: Sometimes, especially if you live on the coast or in manufactured housing, the safest space may not be your home.
- Make sure fuel tanks are filled on all vehicles.
- Talk about escape routes: Agree on where your family will go if you leave your home — a friend’s house in another town, a hotel, a shelter.
- Make a list of important phone numbers.
- Make sure children know how and when to call 911.
- Think about what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Check your insurance coverage: Flood damage is not usually covered
2. SECURE your home
Take time before the storm to keep your property safe.
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by wind (lawn furniture, bicycles, lawn decorations).
- Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
- Shut off propane tanks.
- If the storm is imminent, turn refrigerators and freezers to coldest setting and keep closed as much as possible so food will stay fresh longer if power fails.
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3. Make a KIT
Before the storm, make sure you have the supplies you may need
- Water — At least a 3-day of supply; plan on 1 gallon a day per person.
- Food — At least a 3-day supply: non-perishable packaged or canned foods and juices, foods for infants or the elderly, non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates / plastic utensils.
- First-aid kit.
- Prescription drugs: 7-day supply.
- Toiletries / personal hygiene items / moisture wipes.
- Flashlights.
- Extra batteries.Radio — Battery-operated or hand-crank (NOAA weather radio, if possible).
- Phones — fully charged cell phones, with chargers.
- Blankets / pillows / sleeping bags.
- Clothing — seasonal clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes.
- Cash (some small bills) and credit cards.
- Keys: House, car, other.
- Copies of important documents (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card). Put them in a waterproof container or a watertight resealable plastic bag.
- Tools — keep a small portable set with you during the storm.
- Map of area — for alternate routes if roads are closed.
- Camera for photos of damage.
Special items as needed:
- For infants/toddlers: food, diapers, wipes, toys.
- For the elderly: glasses, hearing aids, assistive devices, medications.
- For pets: food, carrier/cage, collar, muzzle, leash, medications, ID, bowl.
For the latest on the storm and closings at Hartford HealthCare, click here.
