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2023 Hurricane Season is Here!

Hello, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. Our collective focus is now on the inevitable hurricane season, which runs from 1 June through the end of November (August and September being the most active period). Last year’s hurricane season was like no other, that produced 30 named storms (the most on record); 12 direct strikes, smashing the previous record of 9 strikes, during 1916. The 2023 hurricane season as forecasted by weather sources, will result in 16-20 named storms, including 7-10 hurricanes. Of the storms predicted to reach hurricane strength, 3-5 are projected to become major hurricanes (category 3 or higher storms that have maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or greater). This year’s hurricane season is projected to be “above normal.”

So, what should we all be doing?

  • Stay informed; sign-up for “CT Alert,” a Connecticut communication database that automatically keeps you advised of emergency alerts, by text, email, cell phone and landline (it’s free and easy!) Click Here to Register for CT Alert (opens in new window)
  • Monitor weather channels for updates
  • Establish a family communications plan
  • GATHER NEEDED SUPPLIES, for at least three days, BEFORE the storm becomes imminent; if you wait, the supplies will most likely become depleted or unavailable
  • Purchase non-perishable food for human and animal consumption
  • Purchase needed medications (insulin, oxygen, etc.)
  • Purchase needed hygiene/sanitation items (a 5 gallon bucket and trash bags for use as a toilet)
  • Purchase water; 1 gallon per person, per day, every day
  • Purchase batteries, for your flashlights and radio
  • Purchase candles and matches
  • Have cash on hand (power outages mean that nothing will work, that require power; you’ll need to make cash purchases)
  • Purchase gas for your generator (never use a generator, gasoline powered equipment, grill, camp stove within 20 feet from doors, windows, vents, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning)
  • Fill propane tanks for outdoor cooking
  • ASSUME that there will be extended power-outages; ask yourself, “What will your family need to survive this ordeal?”
  • Realize that you may not be able to leave YOUR HOME, and that emergency services may NOT be able to reach you!
  • Fill your car’s gas tank
  • Keep your cell phone and laptop charged
  • If instructed to evacuate...be prepared to leave!
  • If you remain, stay indoors and go to a windowless room on the lowest level that is not likely to flood
  • Stay away from ALL power lines (that includes cable and telephone lines)
  • Do not take shelter in the attic
  • Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas; 6 inches of flowing water can float a car and sweep you downstream
  • Do not wade through flooded areas; water can be contaminated by sewage, dead animals, oil, gas, debris, etc.
  • Bring animals indoors
  • You may have other needs and concerns that are specific to your family and situation

PREPARE NOW!! Remember...it wasn’t raining when Noah built the Arc!!

Thank you, and stay safe!
Gary Baron
Director
Emergency Management
North Stonington, CT