Changing climate: Preparing before the next storm

NBC CT Stormtracker meteorologist Steve Glazier recently visited the American Red Cross in Farmington to showcase how we can be prepared before the next significant weather event hits.

He spoke with Becky Johnson, the regional disaster officer for the Connecticut and Rhode Island Red Cross, about being prepared for summer events, from hurricanes to severe thunderstorms.

“OK, so we’re talking about a few things. When we’re talking about preparedness, we’re talking about personal, household, and if you have to get up and go,” Johnson said.

“[Items to have include] a cord to charge your phone, an external charger so you want to make sure it’s charged up, and a notepad. to write down your phone numbers. We also have toiletries, some gloves, some work gloves, some matches inside a container, which reminds us that you want to have your medication, in a Ziploc container. But again, flashlights, batteries, a blanket, a poncho.”

“If the power goes out, what are you doing? Do you have a can opener that doesn’t require power? You know, it’s thinking outside that box. And you want to think of this ahead of time. You also want to plan. You’ll want to tell someone your plan outside your family so that they’re aware. But in your family, you’ll want to practice that plan,” Johnson said. “It’s not enough to have a plan if you don’t practice. Even if you’re alone, think about what you would do. If you live alone, what would you do? Who are you calling? And do they know your plan? Hope is not a plan. We all hope these things don’t happen. But we know if we’re ready, we’re more confident we can get through this.”

Here is a list of recommended items to have in the event you lose electricity for an extended period of time, or in the event you have to evacuate your home:

• Water: One gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
• Food: nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Games and activities for children
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two-way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener
• Whistle
• N95 or surgical masks
• Matches
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Work gloves
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Plastic sheeting
• Electrical tape
• Scissors
• Household liquid bleach
• Entertainment items
• Blankets or sleeping bags