An image shared on Twitter by WTNH anchor Darren Kramer.
The Derby Fire Department Chief advised residents to prepare for an extended power outage once Tropical Storm Henri arrives in Connecticut this weekend.
Chief David Lenart said he’s not certain how many people, if any, in Derby will lose power or for how long — but he recommended people hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
“I would hate to say people will be without power for days, but you never know,” Lenart told The Valley Indy Friday evening.
Lenart said people should stock up on food and water, charge their devices, remove items from their yard that could be blown away — and to be extremely cautious with generators, which, when too close to a dwelling, cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
He said people should visit Ready.gov/hurricanes for safety information.
Monitor the Derby Fire Department Facebook page and its other social media platforms during the storm.
It’s not just Derby that’s in danger, of course. It’s all of Connecticut — and beyond.
At 5 p.m. Friday the National Weather Service issued a public advisory saying Henri was “almost a hurricane.” Another advisory is scheduled to come out at 11 p.m. You can read them when they’re posted by clicking this link.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced a state of emergency in Connecticut at about 5:15 p.m. Friday. The state’s emergency operations center will become partially activated on Saturday (Aug. 21) and fully activated by Sunday morning.
“With the current forecasted track of Henri, we can expect heavy rainfall and high winds, with the potential for a significant amount of coastal flooding and urban flooding across Connecticut,” Lamont said in a prepared statement.
“Right now, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared and expect to shelter in place by Sunday afternoon through at least Monday morning. We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s progress and will provide updates as necessary.”
Locally, Lenart said fire departments and EMS crews throughout the Valley spent Friday preparing for the weekend weather. That means making sure all equipment is working, and sitting in on emergency response calls with local and state officials.
In Ansonia, Mayor David Cassetti sent out a Code Red message Friday evening asking people to be prepared.
“The current forecast shows that the heaviest winds and rain from Hurricane Henri will impact the City of Ansonia on Sunday and Monday,” Cassetti said in a recorded message.
“As a reminder, be prepared for street and basement flooding as well as power outages. Please secure all outdoor furniture and other items. Please make sure your pets are safely inside. Stay away from any downed trees, poles or power lines.”
“Outages should be reported to U.I. at 800 – 722-5584. Please call 911 to report emergencies.”
“Of course I will be available at all times. Feel free to contact me with any issues or concerns regarding the storm. Please call 203 – 736-5900 and follow the prompts to the Mayor’s line.”
“We will be updating residents as the need arises. Please continue to monitor your local weather and news stations for updates as well.”
Residents should keep an eye on the city’s Facebook page for updates. Click here to sign up for the messages.
In Seymour, First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis said that Code Red messages will be sent as needed starting Saturday. Click here for the First Selectwoman’s page.
Click this link to sign up for the Town of Seymour’s Code Red system.
To report a power outage in Seymour, call Eversource at 800 – 286-2000.
The state provided the following safety info Friday evening:
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
— Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
— Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
— A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
— Local maps
— Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
— Food and litter requirements for any pets
— Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
— Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter
Family emergency plan
— Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
— 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.
— Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
— Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.
Safety info shared by the Seymour Fire Marshal’s Office.
