IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM, VISIT THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM'S STORM PAGE FOR STORM-RELATED NEWS AND UPDATES.When hurricanes and severe weather are forecast for our region, time is precious. Those who take some time to prepare each day will reduce their anxiety and have more options especially if conditions worsen. The Town of Fairfield prepares using a 96 hour preparedness format and we encourage all residents and business to do the same.
Basic Preparedness Tips
- 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.
- Register to receive FairfieldALERT Emergency Notifications.
- If you're a boat owner, refer to our Marina Hurricane Preparedness Tips web page put together by Fairfield's Marina Department
- Review your evacuation route(s) & listen to local officials.
- Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and function needs or pets.
Hurricane Warning (Conditions expected within 36 hours)
- Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
- Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact is projected for your location.
- 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 6 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 hid 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.