What You Need to Know in Montville about Preparing for the Hurricane

Fire Marshal Ray Occhialini says that the most important thing you can do to be safe during the hurricane is to make a plan now!

If you need to leave your home, you and your family should know how you're making the decision, where you're going to meet, and what you're going to bring.

Occhialini stresses that www.ready.gov, which he has mentioned often in his blog posts, is an excellent source of information for preparations.

First, identify an out-of-town contact whom everyone can call. This person can be the keeper of information for you and your family, keeping track of who is where and what is needed.

Be sure everyone knows the number, and has a cell phone, coins for a payphone, or a prepaid phone care.

Ready.gov says the program that person into your phone as ICE – in Case of Emergency. Emergency personnel will often look for this listing in your phone. Be sure to alert the person you’ve chosen.

The site also says to be sure that everyone knows how to send text messages. These can often get through when phone calls can’t.

Subscribe to alert services. Many communities have them; sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management web site.

Occhialini says that in the current scenario, there probably would be no forced evaucation from Montville in general.

People in mobile home and in flood-prone area might be evacuated to the shelter at Montville High School, he says.

Occhialini offers the following information on shelters, contact, emergency alerts and more:

Contacts

Montville Office of Emergency Management
310 Norwich New London Turnpike (Town Hall)
860-848-1417

 Shelters

If there is need of a shelter, Occhialini says, the town will use Montville High School, 800 Old Colchester Road.

If you go to the shelter, Occhialini advises you to bring:

• Bedding (for sleeping)
• Towels (for showers)
• Personal care items
• Snacks
• Medications
• Games to keep children busy

Food will be provided; there are no facilities for evacuees to cook at the high school.

 Pets

Pets can be brought to the shelter at Montville High School. They must be in a cage or crate, and the owners must provide food. Animal Control Officer Chris Martel says the town will be able to provide some crates, at the shelter.

 Wellness checks

Residents can register for wellness checks by calling Montville's Office of Emergency Management and asking to be added to the list. A similar report is collected annually by the state for Millstone-related emergencies.

Notification

Sign up at www.ctalert.gov to be able to receive messages from the town and state in the event of an emergency.

Evacuations

Evacuation routes are printed in the telephone book.