Newtown has issued an emergency preparedness information newsletter for residents.
Below is a portion of the information package. The entire package can be viewed at
http://mail.aol.com/35138-111/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=29003955&;folder=NewMail&partId=1&saveAs=BeReadyNewtown.pdf
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Take Important Steps to Be Prepared
An important part of being prepared to respond to an emergency is to understand the risks.
What types of emergencies are you likely to face?
Living in Newtown, Connecticut, common issues for us are the ―natural disaster type: severe thunderstorms, blizzard/severe snow storms, flooding, hurricanes/tropical storms, and even tornadoes.
Do you live near a water-course or low-lying area that is prone to flooding? Do you know when and how to evacuate if the water rises rapidly? Do you know what route to take and where you will go if you have to get out quickly?
OK—those are the types of emergencies Newtowners are likely to face, but what about you, specifically? Review the special circumstances that you and your family members personally face and consider them ahead of time, so you can mount the best response or so you clearly understand your needs if you need additional assistance.
BE Informed
It is important to understand the difference between a watch and a warning.
A Watch indicates that a significant weather condition is expected, but not imminent, for the area and provides 12 to 36 hours of notice of the possibility of severe weather.
A Warning indicates that significant or hazardous weather is occurring, imminent, or likely and is a threat to life and property.
Keep checking local TV and radio stations and the internet for official instructions, including weather reports, shelter locations, distribution centers, etc.
Know the local sources for info and resources—see articles inside the link
+ Have a plan—identify safe places to go in the home, in the neighborhood, and outside the neighborhood; update contact information for family and friends in state and out of state, write them down and make sure every family member has a copy.
+ Have a plan on what you will do to keep your pets safe if there is an emergency (if you stay at home or if you have to evacuate).
+ Have an emergency supply kit ready.
+ Stay home as long as it is safe and you have not been told to leave. Travel may be difficult or dangerous during and after an emergency.
+ Evacuate if you are told to do so, or even if you are not told to do so, if you believe you and your family may be in danger. If you are asked to evacuate you can go to the home of a family member; a friend’s home; a motel, hotel or shelter. More info on shelters in the link
+ Know CPR and how to use an AED
Take Steps Now.
Take Important Steps to Be Prepared
Sign up for CODE RED
Go to Newtown’s town website at www.newtown-ct.gov then scroll down the page, on the left hand side is the logo for CODE RED. It is an active link, Click on it and sign up for your home phone and your cell phone and your e-mail, so you can receive important information during an emergency. If you do not have internet access or if you think you need help doing this, call the Fire Marshal’s office at (203) 270-4370 to get assistance and be signed up.
Getting Started—Educate yourself and your family.
Sign up for Code Red (the town’s emergency notification system).
Identify potential hazards around your home & in your neighborhood.
Have a safe place to go in your home and away from it if you have to evacuate.
Learn what to do in case of an emergency where you work and at your child’s school or day care.
The link provides additional information on:
~.Making an Emergency Supply Kit
~Drinking Water Safety
~Food Safety
~Shelters and Support Services
~Wastewater Concern
~Generator Issues