WALLINGFORD: STORM and NATURAL DISASTER INFORMATION

As posted on the Town of Wallingford Website:

Wallingford Police Department Storm and Natural Disaster Information

“In our constant concern for the safety and welfare of the community, the Wallingford Police request that you take note of the hurricane preparation information provided in this document.”

Emergency Calls 9-1-1
Reporting of Routine Power Outages: (203) 265-5055
Routine Police and Fire Department Services: (203) 294-2800

Know the Difference

Hurricane Watch
Hurricane conditions are a threat within 36 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning
Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Preparation Tips

• In advance of the storm, if you have catch basins located near your home make sure they are clear of leaves/sand/debris.

• If you are on well water, store at least one gallon of water per person for 3 days.

Preparation Recommendations

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Fill your car’s gas tank
• Create an evacuation plan
• Plan routes to local shelters
• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days  -- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards- Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Keys
• Documents – put in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag and keep in a safe place (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc).
  • Social security cards
  • Proof of residence (deed or lease)
  • Insurance policies
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
  • Wills, deeds, copies of recent tax returns
• Pet care items for home and evacuation to a shelter. Proper identification / immunization records / medications ample supply of food and water a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash

Shelter Information

The shelter, if and when declared open, will be The Emergency Management Shelter, 37 Hall Road (off Cook Hill Road), Wallingford, CT 06492.

WHAT TO BRING TO A SHELTER

• Photo identification (Driver's License)
• Baby food/formula, diapers, wipes, teething gel, ointment
• Change of clothing
• Blankets
• Food & snacks, non-perishable, 3 day supply
• Sleeping bags
• Cell phone
• Pillows
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Hygiene or sanitary products
• Battery powered radio & extra batteries
• Medications, prescription & over-the-counter
• Eyeglasses
• Entertainment (toys, books, games, etc.)
• Dentures
• Cash, checkbook, credit cards

Other Information

Flood Prone Areas
This storm is forecasted to produce a large amount of rainfall. This may cause extensive flooding of streams and rivers that will quickly overrun their banks. This causes an extremely dangerous situation for residents as well as public safety workers. Plans should be made to voluntarily evacuate these flood prone areas.

Vehicles Crossing Moving Water
Most cars will float (and be swept away) in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance. Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly and the road bottoms can also wash away making the water much deeper than it appears.

Traffic Control
Power outages mean traffic lights will be out!
Police officers will not be able respond to every intersection. Motorist must stop at all intersections that have inoperable traffic lights to make sure that it is safe to proceed.

Down Utilities Wires
Any down utility wires should be considered live. Live utility wires will cause catastrophic injury. Stay clear and notify Wallingford Public Utilities at (203) 265-5055.

Other Important Links

www.ready.gov
www.ct.gov
www.redcross.org
www.nhc.noaa.gov