A hurricane is a tropical storm that poses the most destructive risk of all natural disasters for our state. Hurricanes bring strong winds and torrential rainfall causing structural damage, loss of life, felled trees, flooding, power outages, and other damage. Most of the deaths and property damage associated with hurricanes are flood-related.
Hurricanes occur most frequently during hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 until November 30 of each year.
- A Hurricane/Tropical Storm WATCH
means there is a threat of hurricane/tropical storm conditions within 36 hours. - A Hurricane/Tropical Storm WARNING
means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.
Learn to protect yourself and your family.
Before
What Can I Do Before a Hurricane?
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio to ensure you receive critical warning information.
- Register for CT Alert.
- Talk to your insurance agent about purchasing flood insurance.
- Plan how you and your family will safely evacuate if an evacuation is ordered, and inform all family members of this plan.
- Plan how you will communicate with family and friends if telephone or Internet systems are down.
- Make a 72-hour emergency kit.
- Plan what you will do to protect or evacuate your pets and/or farm animals.
- Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm.
- Install permanent hurricane shutters or buy the materials required to board up windows and doors.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.
- Keep insurance policies, important documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box.
- Learn how to turn off your utilities.
If a hurricane watch or warning is issued:
- Monitor conditions using a NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred local news source.
- Heed the advice of the governor or local emergency management officials.
- Prepare your property for high winds. Bring in or secure items that can be picked up by the wind and secure doors and windows with shutters or boards.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Stock up on prescription medications.
- If you are in a mobile home, check the tie-downs.
- Check and restock your Disaster Supply Kit.
- Ensure that you have working flashlights and batteries.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to prepare for power outages.
- Keep important documents and valuables online, in a safe deposit box or in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. Close propane tank valves.
- Unplug small appliances.
- Review your evacuation plan, and ensure your planned route is recommended.
- Consider evacuating animals as soon as you are aware of impending danger.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows, skylights, and doors, even if they are covered. A small interior room without windows on the first floor is usually the safest place.
- Store drinking water in clean plastic bottles and pots and pans. Fill bathtubs and sinks with water to use for flushing the toilet and washing floors and clothing (but not for drinking).
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
During
What Should I Do During a Hurricane?
- Monitor conditions using a NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred local news source.
- Stay indoors, away from windows, skylights, and doors, even if they are covered.
- If power has been lost, do not open refrigerators or freezers unless absolutely necessary.
- If you need to venture outside, be aware of downed power lines.
- Avoid flooded roads or property.
- Maintain contact with friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable due to functional needs.
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
After
What Should I Do After a Hurricane?
- Monitor conditions using a NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred local news source.
- If you evacuated, return when emergency management officials indicate it is safe to do so.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
- Check on friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable due to functional needs.
- If you locate someone who requires rescue, contact local emergency services.
- Avoid flooded areas.
- Immediately report loose or damaged power lines to the power company or emergency services.
- Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights instead of candles when examining buildings.
- Examine structures to ensure they are not in danger of collapsing.
- Look for fire hazards, such as leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces and appliances. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and quickly get outside. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main circuit box (but do not step in water to do so). Call an electrician if required. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
- Check for sewage and water line damage. If damage exists, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber and the water company.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is safe. Local officials will provide information.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry out your home.
- Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
- Use phones only for emergency calls.
- If you have lost power and are using a generator, be sure to follow generator safety procedures.
- Keep all your animals under your direct control and be aware of hazards at nose and paw/hoof level.
Download printable PDF version of this checklist
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