As communities in the Northeast prepare for Hurricane Irene, the City of Norwalk is preparing locally. Through the Office of Emergency Management, City Departments and community partners are being provided with regular updates and are making plans for coordinated response and recovery activities through the weekend. In cooperation with emergency management team leaders Mayor Richard Moccia announced Thursday the activation of an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the emergency response. Additionally, the City’s disaster reserve volunteers will be used to assist in evacuation and sheltering operations with the American Red Cross at Brien McMahon HS in the event that an evacuation shelter is opened this weekend. Community and Private sector partners are also receiving updates.
The City’s website www.norwalkct.org is being updated and the City will use the Code Red notification system to update residents if evacuations are needed and the shelter is opened.
Residents are an essential part of the community response as well, by being prepared in advance of this storm and for all emergencies. Families should discuss their disaster plan and make sure contact information is updated and should check and update their disaster supply kits in advance of the storm, including having flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radios and other supplies. As recommended with any storm, residents should fill automobile gas tanks and make sure cell phones are fully charged in case of power outages.
Residents are advised to monitor the storm tracking and timing forecast via local media outlets.
Residents should visit www.ready.gov for information and resources in multiple languages and formats to help them plan for this storm.
