Mayor James Della Volpe announced today that the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is working on preparations for the impending storm next week.
The National Weather Service is forecasting Hurricane Sandy to make an east coast landfall late Monday.
“This morning we held a preliminary EOC meeting with all departments and will be closely monitoring the storm situation,” Mayor Della Volpe said.
The EOC is comprised of Ansonia’s various departments which include: police, fire, medical, education, and public works.
Representatives from area utilities will also work out of the EOC to coordinate local response to issues as they arise.
The EOC is led by Mayor Della Volpe and Police Chief Kevin Hale, the city’s Emergency Management Director.
Della Volpe also urged residents to take heed of hurricane preparedness tips provided by the Department of Emergency Management Homeland Security:
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- A whistle to signal for help
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Family Emergency Plan
• Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know.
Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
Subscribe to alert services.
Many communities/states now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e‑mails to let you know about severe weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc.
In Ansonia, go to www.CityofAnsonia.com to register for Code Red alerts (at the bottom of the home page).
UNLESS EVACUATION OF A RESIDENCE IS ORDERED OR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY EXISTS, RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO REMAIN INSIDE THEIR RESIDENCE AND STAY OFF THE ROADS DURING THE HURRICANE.
EMERGENCY SHELTER INFORMATION
As part of the emergency operations plan, the City of Ansonia is making preparations to open an emergency shelter for Ansonia residents, if needed.
In event that the emergency shelter is needed, the opening of the shelter shall be posted on the City of Ansonia web site at www.CityofAnsonia.com.
Additionally, information can be obtained by calling the Ansonia Police Department at 203 – 735-1885.
The primary emergency shelter for the City of Ansonia will be located at the Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway.
Parking will be available in the high school parking lots. Residents that elect to use the shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows and any emergency supplies that will be needed for a short-term stay.
No domestic animals except for emergency service dogs will be allowed in this emergency shelter.
PET SHELTER
If the primary emergency shelter is opened, the pet shelter will be located at Mead School, 75 Ford Street.
Residents will be required to provide food and a kennel for their pets while at the shelter.
PHONE NUMBERS
Police/Fire/Medical Emergencies – 911 or 203 – 735-1885
Power Outages should be reported to United Illuminating at 1 – 800-722‑5584 or 203 – 499-3333.
“Our main concern is for the safety and security of our residents,” Della Volpe said. “We ask all residents to take this weather event seriously.”
The EOC will be meeting late Sunday afternoon to monitor updates and continue storm preparations.
Updated information will be posted on the City of Ansonia’s website (www.CityofAnsonia.com) and local media as it becomes available.
Please share this information with neighbors that do not have computer access.
