Town of Plainville, CT - Town of Plainville - Emergency Management and Preparedness

• Health Department

• HR & Jobs

• Plainville Youth Service

• Department of Social Services

• Emergency Services

• Emergency Management and Preparedness

• Plainville Senior Center

• Planning and Development Services

• Recreation Department

• Technical & Physical Services

• Boards & Commissions

Home > Municipal Services > Emergency Services > Emergency Management and Preparedness

Emergency Management and Preparedness

The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security in the State of Connecticut has raised the Terrorism Alert Level to ORANGE. This is in direct response to real and credible information concerning the possibility of multiple retaliatory attacks in the event of hostilities in Iraq. Citizens are asking, “What can we do to prepare for the possibility of effects from this situation?” Public services announcements suggest several ways to prepare. Learn about serious threats, make emergency supply kits, create a family communication plan and keep emergency telephone numbers with you or near the telephone.

To access a free brochure call 1-800-BE-READY or access the website www.ready.gov.

The American Red Cross has a great deal of information on planning and preparedness. They can be contacted at www.redcross.org.

The town of Plainville has prepared by having an up to date Emergency Operations Plan. This document covers Standard Operating Guidelines for any type of disaster, such as a flood, major fire, hazardous materials incident, etc. As Town officials, we take these warnings seriously and must be proactive to the problems. As with any emergency planning, preparation is the key. Residents should have an Emergency Supply Kit. The division of Homeland Security and local town officials offer the following advice. Keep a minimum of three days supply of non-perishable food and water. Even if this community is not directly effected by any attack, your life may be disrupted from the daily routine. You may need shelter at home for a few days. Roads and stores may be closed to civilian traffic; electricity and water supplies may be interrupted. Add flashlights and battery powered radio to hear the latest instructions from local and state authorities. Don’t forget extra batteries, a blanket for each family member, a first aid kit, and manual can opener. There is some information from the Federal Government regarding a safe room in your home. They suggest plastic and duct tape to seal on area. This in itself may not be bad idea, although you must think about such things as air supply if you do this. Maintain at least a 3-5 day supply of medicine with you. Don’t forget the supply of food, water and medicine for your pets. A Family Communication Plan makes sure that every one knows how to get in touch. Cell phones are the best, but service may be interrupted. Pick two meeting places (1) a location a safe distance from your home (2) a place outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home, and choose an out of state friend as a check-in contact for everyone to call.

There may come a time where we must shelter in place. This means that you may not be allowed to leave your home. If an evacuation to other locations is needed, the Middle School of Plainville on Northwest Drive and the Senior Citizen Center on East Street are the two most likely locations. The Fire Department will not be used in an emergency because it is likely that all available fire fighters and other emergency responders will be staging at that location. Remember that pets will not be allowed in any evacuation shelter.

In case of Bioterrorism, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and local health officials will be advising residents of what to do. The basic steps that must be taken are staying in your home. Shut off any type of air supply utilities, stay close to your radio and listen for any information and direction from the authorities.

As citizens of Plainville, we ask, "Are we a direct target of terrorism?” While not at the top of the critical list, we should still be very aware that this could impact out town. People should always be very aware of their surroundings and report any thing that does not appear normal to the police department by calling 911. Diligence in our daily lives should see us through the event that had developed in the United States.

For further information please contact Office of the Fire Marshal/Emergency Management at 860-793-0221 ext. 218.

OFFICE OF FIRE MARSHAL

Larry A. Sutherland

ARE YOU PREPARED?

This year, the latest round of weather patterns has created conditions that have caused substantial loss of life and resulted in property damage in the billions of dollars. All of us in Emergency Management have realized that how much the federal government spends on preparedness; money is not always the key. As found during Hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans, managing the incident with the properly trained personnel is the most important part of planning and response. This article will deal briefly with important information that we feel all citizens need to be familiar with. Hurricane warnings are normally given well in advance. During this warning, residents must make evaluations and preparations with regards to their locations and extent of damage that may occur locally. The preparedness will include the items that you and your families may already have. The list is item specific, however everyone may have individual needs that should be thought about. The following is a list of basic items you should have prepared to help yourself in emergencies.

 Flashlights, (candles are not recommended) spare batteries, battery operated radio, bottled water, first aid kit, cell phone.
 Canned food or food in sealed containers
 Blankets and pillows
 Extra clothing
 Personnel hygiene items
 Medications
 Pet food

The Town of Plainville has no Red Cross certified emergency shelter at this time. However, in the near future an evaluation will be done at Linden Street School with Red Cross Representatives after the new construction is complete. Shelters must meet certain minimum requirements. One item is a generator. Linden Street School is the most modern of facilities in town and may serve several hundred citizens during a disaster. Present temporary shelters are the Middle School of Plainville, 150 Northwest Drive, and the Senior Center, 200 East Street. These two buildings have generators for very basic lighting and emergency systems and will provide some sheltering in an emergency.

The following radio stations in the area will do notification of shelter opening during an evacuation event.

 WTIC AM- Frequency 1080
 WPOP AM- Frequency 1410
 WTIC FM- Frequency 96.5
 TXCT AM- Frequency 990.00
(Spanish Radio)

Please do not call the Police or Fire Department for shelter information. If the storm is that significant, emergency staff will be manning an Emergency Operations Center at the Police Department. All information for shelter and evacuation will come from there. You are encouraged to call the Town Hall at 793-0221 for the information, but please listen to your radio at the stations listed above for timely information. The advice that all citizens can take is to be prepared. Residents in low areas should be very attentive to weather forecasts and possible flooding. The last impact event that took place on September 16, 1999 was Hurricane Floyd. During the storm, Plainville Fire and Police personnel evacuated up to 65 residents from Robert Street Ext. The storm was listed as a Category four but weakened as it hit land. On September 19, 2003, Hurricane Isabel made its presence to our area but Plainville suffered little damage from that storm. At that time all residents of Roberts Street Ext. were prompted early to be prepared by individual notices left at all homes.

All residents are urged to stay home during a storm unless you are going to be in danger, need assistance or in flood prone areas. This does a few things. Its keeps the streets free for emergency vehicle travel and it safeguards residents from falling branches, electrical wires down and other storm related problems. The most comfortable place to be is your own home if there are no hazards. Plainville is not immune to natural disasters, but the history shows that we typically do not sustain the same amount of damage that is done in many Connecticut communities.

More information regarding preparedness and natural disasters is available at the following websites:

www.ct.gov
www.redcross.org
www.fema.gov
www.weather.gov
www.ctweather.com

If more information is needed please call Office of the Fire Marshal