A mock ice storm Thursday will help test the emergency response centers in Connecticut’s towns, including Ridgefield.
For the second straight year, the resources of all five Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security regions and more than 100 town emergency operations centers will be engaging in a weather-disaster exercise.
This year’s scenario includes a disabling ice storm that has hit Region 5 of the state, as well as Litchfield and northern Fairfield county. It will be the responsibility of all other regions to assist the compromised areas.
Ridgefield’s role will be two-fold. First, an Emergency Operation Center will be established. Second, a Commodities Point of Distribution (C-POD) will be set up at the Schlumberger south parking area. Ridgefield will coordinate how C-PODs are set up, managed, and employed when a FEMA truck arrives for unloading.
The drill will highlight where emergency response improvements are needed. “A drill such as this is crucial for state agencies as well as our residents to understand and perfect their responsibilities in the face of an emergency,” First Selectman Rudy Marconi said.
Ridgefield’s worst ice storm occurred shortly before Christmas in 1973 when parts of town were without power for more than a week — during which time temperatures dipped below zero.
Mr. Marconi reminded residents be prepared and aware of potential risks in their neighborhoods in the time of an emergency, including devising a basic emergency supply kit and an emergency plan for the family.
A typical kit may include items such as water, non-perishable food, a radio, a first aid kit, and a cell phone car charger.
Basic steps in an emergency plan include identifying an out-of-town contact, ensuring all family members have the necessary materials to communicate this contact (i.e., cell phone, coins), and teaching all members of the family how to text message.
“Please take this time to come up with your own emergency kit and plan with your family in case of a disaster such as this,” Mr. Marconi said.
Further information can be found at www.ready.gov.