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Get Ready for Henri Before it Reaches the State: Here’s the Plan

August 21, 2021

The National Hurricane Center expect Henri, now classified as a Category 1 hurricane, to reach Connecticut near New Haven Sunday afternoon or evening as much of the state’s coastline remains under a hurricane warning with sustained winds of 70 mph, extensive flooding and possible long-term power outages.

The National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning for New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. The state’s other counties — Fairfield, Hartford, Tolland, Litchfield and Windham — have tropical storm warnings.

Eversource is now classifying the storm as a Level 3 event, with loss of power for close to half of its customer for five to 10 days.

Gov. Ned Lamont said he would declare a state of emergency, calling 200 National Guard members to state active duty to aid the response.

The Hartford HealthCare Emergency Operations team offers these suggestions for storm preparedness:

1. Make a PLAN

Plan before you act. It will help you prepare and assure family members.

  • Take time before the storm to talk to your family and neighbors about what to do.
  • Find a safe space. Remember: Sometimes, especially if you live on the coast or in manufactured housing, the safest space may not be your home.
  • Make sure fuel tanks are filled on all vehicles.
  • Talk about escape routes: Agree on where your family will go if you leave your home — a friend’s house in another town, a hotel, a shelter.
  • Make a list of important phone numbers.
  • Make sure children know how and when to call 911.
  • Think about what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
  • Check your insurance coverage: Flood damage is not usually covered

2. SECURE your home

Take time before the storm to keep your property safe.

  • Bring in anything that can be picked up by wind (lawn furniture, bicycles, lawn decorations).
  • Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
  • Shut off propane tanks.
  • If the storm is imminent, turn refrigerators and freezers to coldest setting and keep closed as much as possible so food will stay fresh longer if power fails.

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3. Make a KIT

Before the storm, make sure you have the supplies you may need

  • Water — At least a 3-day of supply; plan on 1 gallon a day per person.
  • Food — At least a 3-day supply: non-perishable packaged or canned foods and juices, foods for infants or the elderly, non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates / plastic utensils.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Prescription drugs: 7-day supply.
  • Toiletries / personal hygiene items / moisture wipes.
  • Flashlights.
  • Extra batteries.Radio — Battery-operated or hand-crank (NOAA weather radio, if possible).
  • Phones — fully charged cell phones, with chargers.
  • Blankets / pillows / sleeping bags.
  • Clothing — seasonal clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes.
  • Cash (some small bills) and credit cards.
  • Keys: House, car, other.
  • Copies of important documents (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card). Put them in a waterproof container or a watertight resealable plastic bag.
  • Tools — keep a small portable set with you during the storm.
  • Map of area — for alternate routes if roads are closed.
  • Camera for photos of damage.

Special items as needed:

  • For infants/toddlers: food, diapers, wipes, toys.
  • For the elderly: glasses, hearing aids, assistive devices, medications.
  • For pets: food, carrier/cage, collar, muzzle, leash, medications, ID, bowl.

For the latest on the storm and closings at Hartford HealthCare, click here.