Stay Safe And Prepared In Storm, West Hartford Says

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A stormy day after Labor Day has prompted both flood watches from the National Weather Service and warnings from the town.

Monday, the Town of West Hartford issued an update to the community, urging preparation from residents as they deal with possible flooding after a summer of drought.

"Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has notified Hartford county towns to expect several rounds of showers and thunderstorms during the next 36 hours," wrote the town via social media.

Tuesday morning, Hartford County and West Hartford remained under a flood watch, expected for much of the day.

"These showers and thunderstorms may contain very heavy rain with rainfall rates ranging from 2 to 4 inches per hour," wrote the town.

The town issued the following tips to residents:

• Residents should prepare their homes by running their sump pumps to ensure they will operate when or if needed.

"The majority of flooded basement calls are caused by unplugged sump pumps, or the sump pump float is stuck or there is a clog in the system," wrote the town.

• Remove debris that has accumulated on top the catch basin closest to their home.

"Allowing water to flow freely will help reduce street flooding that could back-up onto your property," wrote West Hartford officials.

• Move items stored on your basement floor to a higher location.

• Keep important documents and items in waterproof containers.

• Declutter drains and gutters.

• Do not drive through standing water and do not attempt to drive through areas blocked off by public safety.

• Do not allow children to play in standing water.

Residents can sign up to get alerts from the Town of West Hartford regarding emergencies at https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721717/login.

Also they can visit http://www.getreadycapitolregi... for instructions on how to prep for emergencies.

West Hartford's Emergency Management Office has an information sheet on ways to keep safe during flooding at this link.