Above Average Hurricane Season Coming to Connecticut, Governor Says

June 1 marks the first day of Atlantic Hurricane Season, and weather officials are predicting an "above average" hurricane season for 2017. Gov. Dannel Malloy's office announced Thursday that The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Atlantic hurricane season forecast for 2017 calls for 11 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes and one to four major hurricanes.

“One single hurricane or tropical storm can have a lasting impact,” Malloy said in a prepared statement. “We urge all residents to take three simple preparedness steps: get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. These three steps will help to ready everyone for any weather emergency you may encounter.”

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the largest threat for the state taking place from mid-August to mid-October, according to the announcement. Residents were also urged to download the state’s emergency preparedness app.

“Now is also the time to become acquainted with the weather hazards to which your community may be prone, such as storm surges, areas that flood, and road or bridge closures,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro said in a statement. “If a storm is approaching your area, monitor weather reports carefully and follow all of the instructions provided by public safety officials.”

The state offered numerous tips for emergency safety.

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

Family Emergency Plan

• Identify an out-of- town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than 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, and it uses less battery life. Plan ahead and preset a family group text conversation in your phones.
• Subscribe to alert services. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.

Protecting Your Possessions

• It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
• Review your policy with an agent, or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
• Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
• Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.

Image of Hurricane Katrina via NASA