As we receive notice of a potentially significant storm due to impact the area, First Selectman Rudy Marconi would like to remind residents to prepare.
Beginning Sunday night, this storm is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, followed by a potential snow and wintry mix, a combination that has the potential to knock out power.
The First Selectman is recommending residents do the following:
~refill all necessary prescription medications to last for at least two weeks
~take out your portable, battery-operated or hand-crank radio so that you can monitor local radio stations (WLAD-800AM, WREF-850AM, WCBS-880AM, WDAQ-98.3FM, WRKI-95.1FM)
~check that flashlights have fresh batteries and extra batteries to last for one week. There may be no electricity after the storm; use of candles is not recommended for safety reasons.
~purchase ice melt and sand for traction on walkways and driveways
~confirm that you have sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.
~confirm your supply of canned goods and non-perishable foods—enough for three days. Store packaged foods which can be prepared without cooking and need no refrigeration.
~keep a supply of drinking water—enough for three days.
If you have a cell phone, confirm that you will receive Town emergency Everbridge notices by logging onto www.ctalert.gov or www.ridgefieldct.org and click on the CTAlert logo to update your profile information.
Plan ahead where your family will meet in an emergency and talk about how you will communicate, particularly if internet, phone and cell service are unavailable. Learn how to shut off the gas and water in your homes and how to use equipment such as generators safely.
For more information on how to plan for an emergency, go to www.ready.gov or download the free Red Cross App.