📖 Table of Contents

  1. Why Prepare?
  2. Emergency Contacts
  3. Building Your Emergency Kit
  4. Power Outages
  5. Using Generators Safely
  6. Severe Weather Preparedness
    • Before a Storm
    • Winter Weather
    • Heat Waves
    • Flooding
    • Tornadoes
    • Hurricanes
  7. Fire Safety
  8. Protecting Your Possessions & Business
  9. National Security & Awareness
  10. Hurricane Readiness Simulation
  11. Glossary of Weather & Storm Terms

1. Why Prepare?

Disasters can strike without warning, leaving you without electricity, food, water, or essential services for days. Relief workers may not be able to reach you immediately.

➡️ Being prepared saves lives, reduces stress, and helps Norfolk recover faster.

2. Emergency Contacts

🚨 For ALL Emergencies, dial 9-1-1

Non-Emergencies (Wellness checks, basement flooding, wires down, etc.):
📞 Litchfield County Dispatch (24/7): 860-496-0711

Other Key Numbers:

  • **Norfolk Fire Department (non-emergency): 860-542-5021
  • State Police Troop B (North Canaan): 860-626-1820
  • Eversource Power: 1-800-286-2000
  • United Illuminating: 1-800-722-5584
  • Norfolk Town Hall: 860-542-5829
  • American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS
  • United Way Infoline: 211

⚠️ **Do not call the firehouse for emergencies. Messages are only checked weekly.

3. Build Your Emergency Kit

Have supplies for at least 72 hours (preferably 7 days).

Basic Checklist:
☐ 3-day supply of non-perishable food + manual can opener
☐ 1 gallon of water per person, per day
☐ Prescription & OTC medicines
☐ First Aid kit + antibacterial ointment, Hand sanitizer
☐ LED Flashlights + extra batteries
☐ Battery/solar/crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred)
☐ Cell phone chargers + 12v car inverter
☐ Cash (ATMs and card machines may not work)
☐ Diapers, Garbage bags + ties (sanitation)
☐ Whistle (signal for help)
☐ Wrench/pliers (to shut off utilities)
☐ Warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats
☐ Pet food, water, leashes, medications, Collars with name and address
☐ Copies of important documents (insurance, ID, medical info)

4. Power Outages

During a power outage:

  • Disconnect appliances/electronics (to prevent surge damage).
  • Use LED lanterns, not candles.
  • Have power backups for medical devices (Oxygen concentrators, Meters & Monitors, Power beds & Chairs)
  • Keep refrigerator & freezer closed (food lasts ~12 hours).
  • Store medicines safely (ask your doctor about temperature limits).
  • Keep fuel tanks ¾ full. Gas stations may not be able to pump fuel.
  • Never use a gas stove or grill indoors or try to heat your house with one.
  • Always place generators outside, away from windows.
  • Know how to manually release your electric garage door to get your vehicle out.
  • Check on your neighbors

Food Safety Tip: Place a coin on top of an ice cube in the freezer. If the coin sinks when power returns, food spoiled while thawed and must be discarded. Freeze water in plastic bottles to keep food cool longer,

Automotive Refueling Tip: When Norfolk and Winsted/Torrington are affected. The local gas station in town has a generator for pumping fuel. Also remember; Great Barrington, Mass (20 Miles away) or Millerton, NY (19.5 Miles away) may have power and the ability to pump fuel. Check social media or call before making the drive to confirm.

5. Using Generators Safely

  • Only operate outdoors, away from doors/windows.
  • Never run in garages or basements.
  • Never plug directly into house wiring unless you have a certified 3-position transfer switch.
  • Use heavy-duty extension cords, routed safely.
  • Aim exhaust away from your home.
  • Limit the amount of extension cords used from the generator as these can become trip hazards. lay cords next to walls and out of travel paths.

6. Severe Weather Preparedness

Before Any Storm

  • Sign up for CT Alert to receive emergency warnings.
  • Fuel vehicles and generators.
  • Secure outdoor items (furniture, trash cans, decorations).
  • Trim trees and clear gutters.
  • Make a family communication plan.
  • Charge phones and backup batteries.

Winter Weather

  • Stockpile food, water, medicines, and heating fuel.
  • Use backup heat sources safely (never indoors unless designed for indoor use).
  • Buy rock salt and sand for ice.
  • Weatherstrip windows and doors.
  • Dress in layers; watch for frostbite & hypothermia.
  • Conserve heating fuel by closing off unused rooms.

Heat Waves

  • Stay indoors with AC or go to public cooling centers.
  • Drink water frequently (minimum 64 oz/day).
  • Avoid alcohol & strenuous activity in peak heat.
  • Never leave children or pets in cars.

Flooding

  • Know evacuation routes and flood-prone areas.
  • Never drive or walk through floodwaters.
  • Move valuables and electrical equipment to higher floors.
  • Install check valves in drains to prevent backups.
  • Store documents in waterproof containers.

Tornadoes

  • Seek shelter immediately in basement or small interior room.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Cover head/neck with arms or blankets.
  • Do not shelter under overpasses or bridges.
  • If outdoors, lie flat in a low area and protect your head.

Hurricanes

  • Secure your home: board windows, reinforce roof & doors.
  • Stockpile 7 days of supplies.
  • Evacuate if ordered—NVFD cannot risk lives during gale-force winds.
  • Expect massive power & communication outages.

7. Fire Safety

  • Smoke detectors on every level; test monthly.
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors on every level; test monthly.
  • Keep fire extinguishers accessible.
  • Clean chimneys and dryer vents annually.
  • Store matches/lighters away from children.
  • Keep space heaters 3 feet from combustibles.
  • Have a family fire escape plan (two exits per room).

8. Protecting Your Possessions & Business

  • Review insurance policies yearly (especially before hurricane season).
  • Photograph & inventory possessions.
  • Back up important files.
  • Businesses: prepare for cash-only transactions.

9. National Security & Awareness

  • Stay alert in public spaces.
  • Know exits and evacuation routes.
  • Report suspicious activity/packages to 9-1-1 immediately.

10. Hurricane Simulation (Norfolk Example)

Day 1 (24 hours before landfall):

  • NVFD activated; Reverse 911/CT Alert messages issued.
  • Residents should fuel vehicles, charge devices, and finalize preparations.

Day 2–3 (storm impact):

  • NVFD responds only to life-threatening emergencies.
  • Expect roads blocked, power/phones down.

Day 4+:

  • Road clearing, door-to-door welfare checks begin.
  • Report damaged/uninhabitable homes to Town Hall or NVFD so responders do not waste time searching.

11. Glossary (Key Terms)

  • Watch = Conditions are possible; be alert.
  • Warning = Event is happening or imminent; take action now.
  • Storm Surge = Abnormal rise of sea level during hurricanes.
  • Blizzard Warning = Snow + winds > 35 mph for 3+ hours.
  • Heat Index = How hot it “feels” considering humidity.
  • Category 1–5 Hurricanes = Increasing damage potential; Category 5 is catastrophic.