Hurricane Matthew: Ridgefield First Selectman Urges Preparedness

RIDGEFIELD, CT — First Selectman Rudy Marconi is reminding residents to be prepared to not only cope with the impact that Hurricane Matthew might have on the area by making sure residents have the following supplies handy:

• Flashlights with fresh batteries and extra batteries to last for several days. There may be no electricity after the storm and use of candles is not recommended for safety reasons.

• A 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)

• Prescription medications or other necessary personal care items – enough for two weeks.
• Cash. Banks and ATMs may be inaccessible in a power outage.
• A full tank of gasoline in your automobile. Gas stations may not have power during or after a storm.
• Canned goods and non-perishable food for you and your pet(s) if you have them—enough for three days. Store packaged foods which can be prepared without cooking and need no refrigeration.

• Drinking water—enough for three days.

In addition, test your generator outide, secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors and bring pets indoors. Precautionary actions should begin immediately whenever a warning is issued. Confirm that you will receive Town emergency Everbridge notices by logging onto www.ctalert.gov.

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.

Go to www.ready.gov or download one of the following apps: Red Cross, CT Prepares, or
FEMA.

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