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Emergency Preparedness

Extreme Weather

Updates

Operation Fuel’s energy assistance program is now accepting applications for the winter/spring 2024 season. Eligible CT residents can apply for energy assistance (gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuel) and may receive a one-time grant of up to $500.00 to help with energy bills.

For more information or to apply, please visit operationfuel.org/gethelp.

Overview

Extreme weather (i.e. floods, winter weather, power outages, hurricanes, extreme heat, etc) can strike at any time. The best thing you can do is to be prepared. Check for charging/ cooling-warming shelters if power goes out

Step 1: Build a Kit

Putting together a disaster supplies kit will help you and your family be prepared for an emergency. A disaster supply kit is a basic collection of items that you may need in the event of an emergency. It is especially important to have a winter weather kit in your car in case of an emergency. 

Step 2: Make a Plan

Make sure you and your family have a plan set in place before a disaster strikes. You should discuss: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. It is important to include all family members in this process, including children.

Step 3: Be Informed

Make sure you are receiving extreme weather alerts. 

For more information about general emergency preparedness, click here to go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website.

Download your utility providers app to keep track of outages and report any outages. 

Resources

Quick Links

FAQ

Why are there thunderstorms?
Thunderstorms are a great way for the atmosphere to release energy. Thunderstorms also help keep the Earth in electrical balance. The Earth’s surface and the atmosphere conduct electricity easily – the Earth is charged negatively and the atmosphere, positively.

What is a storm surge?
Storm surges are frequently the most devastating element of a hurricane. As a hurricane’s winds spiral around and around the storm, they push water into a mound at the storm’s center. This mound of water becomes dangerous when the storm reaches land because it causes flooding along the coast. The water piles up, unable to escape anywhere but on land as the storm carries it landward. A hurricane will cause more storm surge in areas where the ocean floor slopes gradually. This causes major flooding.

When does hurricane season start?
The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but most hurricanes occur during the fall months. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30.

Where can I find out information about a storm?
Several places will have storm information. The local National Weather Service office in the area of the storm conducts damage surveys from severe weather events. The Storm Prediction Center documents storm reports, but the official designation is left up to the local National Weather Service Office. The NOAA National Climatic Data Center maintains the official national database for weather.

Essential InfoFlooding: Information for Homeowners About Private Wells, Sewage and Clean-Up

  • Housatonic Valley Health District participates in emergency preparedness efforts, on a local, regional, and state level.
  • Please make sure you are signed up for all local and statewide severe weather updates.
  • In the case an of emergency, we recommend keeping a basic collection of supplies in your car’s supply kit.
  • Make sure your children and entire family are trained on how to be safe in such circumstances.
  • For more information, call the Housatonic Valley Health District at 203-264-9616, ext 0.

Updated: July 25, 2023

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