September is National Preparedness Month. Because natural disasters like hurricanes can occur at any time, the Greenwich Department of Health is reminding all residents to be prepared. “With today’s changing weather patterns, it is as important to be prepared for all types of emergencies. Certain disasters in our recent memory have taught us this valuable lesson, with the most noteworthy being Super Storm Sandy. The federal government’s slogan for this year’s preparedness month is Prepared, Not Scared. While government does its part in preparing for disasters, individual action and responsibility is also necessary. By taking steps to prepare in advance, you will ensure readiness and feel much more confident when facing a catastrophic or potentially disastrous situation” stated David Fraszka, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
The Department of Health advises residents to make an Emergency Supply Kit and to keep emergency contact phone numbers listed below handy. Also residents are encouraged to visit websites including the Town’s website (greenwichct.org), the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), and the federal government (ready.gov) for pointers on personal preparedness. During an emergency, the Town may opt to use its emergency notification system to send a recorded message to each resident that has a published number. All residents are encouraged to register a contact number (non-published number, cell phone and emails) at greenwichct.bbcportal.com/entry.
• TO REPORT ONLY EMERGENCIES – For all Police, Fire and EMS emergencies, dial 911.
• GREENWICH EMERGENCY INFORMATION: (866) 245-4260 (This number is in service ONLY during major emergencies)
Emergency Helplines – Utilities:
Aquarion Water Company: 800-732-9678
Eversource: 800-286-2000
CT Natural Gas Company: (203) 869-6900
Local Non-Emergency Phone Numbers:
Town of Greenwich – greenwichct.org; (203) 622-7700
Greenwich Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health: (203)-987-1001/622-7838
Greenwich Fire Department non-emergency: (203)-622-3950
Greenwich Police Department non-emergency: (203)-622-8000
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service – American Medical Response (AMR): -800-379-7700/(203)-332-4080
Department of Parks and Recreation Tree Division: (203)-622-7824
Greenwich Chapter, American Red Cross: (203)-869-8444
Greenwich Department of Social Services: (203) 622-3800
Connecticut Poison Control: 800-222-1222
The following information has been assembled for the general public:
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES (Not All Inclusive)
- Flashlights and battery-powered or hand-crank AM/FM radios
- First Aid Items: bandages, blankets, First Aid handbook and all special medicines
- A supply of non-perishable goods that require no cooking or refrigeration and a can opener
- A minimum of one-gallon of water per person per day
- Portable cellular phone charger
- Materials such as wire, rope, chlorine disinfectant, fire extinguishers, extra blankets, lumber and sandbags
For a copy of the Department of Health’s brochures, Hurricanes – Be Prepared and Are You Ready? For Emergencies, go on the Town’s website at greenwchct.org and look under the Department of Health. Brochures are also available at Town Hall.
