This is National Hurricane Preparedness Week

While hurricanes affecting Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) customers have been rare, Connecticut has had a lot of near misses, and a few direct hits over the past four decades - Doria was a tropical storm when she hit in 1971, there was Hurricane Gloria in 1985 and Hurricane Bob in 1991.

"Customers frequently say it has been 20 years since Bob and ask me if it could happen again," said Al Roy, CL&P's Manager of Emergency Management.  "We never predict hurricanes or any other storms.  Our job is to be ready no matter what the weather is."

The National Weather Service is designating this week as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.  It follows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's announcement last week that they expect to see an "above-normal hurricane season" this year.  For the six-month Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November, the prediction is for 12 to 18 named storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes.

“CL&P has a comprehensive plan in place and we're ready," said Roy.  "That includes being in close contact with state and emergency management officials to make sure all of our efforts are coordinated, so we can respond as quickly and safely as possible.”

CL&P is also encouraging its customers to be proactive and informed. Here are some simple tips to help prepare for whatever weather comes our way:

Prepare a "storm kit" (also called a 'lights-out kit') and keep it handy.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an extensive list of recommendations for what to put into the kit in order to be prepared for situations beyond power outages.  FEMA recommends:
Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a hand-held can opener for any canned food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Prescription medication
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to build a shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Local maps
Cell phone with charger

CL&P also reminds customers with life support equipment to develop a plan.  It should include an alternate source of electric power such as a battery backup system or a properly installed generator for the life support equipment; emergency telephone numbers (doctor, fire, police and ambulance) and a procedure to vacate your home during a prolonged outage.