FAIRFIELD — Chief Christopher Lyddy and the Fairfield Police Department recommend that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare themselves for potentially serious storm impacts as Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to impact New England later today.
Isaias is expected to arrive in Connecticut in the late afternoon and continue through tonight and into Wednesday morning. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for Fairfield County.
The peak wind forecast is 20-30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. There is a limited chance of heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes, though showers and thunderstorms may still occur and widespread power outages are possible.
Residents are reminded that the forecast can change at any point and they should monitor the local forecast throughout the day. Stay informed by receiving alerts, warnings, and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies.
The Fairfield Police Department provides the following important information for residents to know prior to the storm:
- Residents can report power outages directly to UI at 1-800-722-5548.
- For additional guidance, please visit www.fairfieldct.org/hurricane or the Fairfield Storm Page at www.fairfieldct.org/storm.
- Sign up for emergency alerts at www.fairfieldct.org/alerts.
- For the full forecast, go here.
- Parking is available at Veterans Memorial Park or the train stations for those who need to move vehicles to higher grounds.
The Fairfield Police Department suggests that all residents follow tips provided by the Town of Fairfield’s Emergency Management Team:
- Review the Town’s 96-Hour Home and Family Hurricane Preparedness Plan.
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
- Put together a Disaster Supply Kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Make a Family Communication Plan.
- If you’re a boat owner, refer to our Marina Hurricane Preparedness Tips web page put together by Fairfield’s Marina Department.
Other additional safety precautions residents should follow include:
- Include disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need in an emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
- Prepare your home by securing or bringing in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.
After a storm, residents are urged to:
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
- Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
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