Emergency Management

Department Description

The Emergency Management Office for the Town of East Granby is currently located in the East Granby Town Hall. It is comprised of two people, the Emergency Management Director and Deputy Director. The Emergency Management Office is responsible for keeping the Local Emergency Operations Plan up to date for the Town of East Granby and assumes the position of the planning coordinator for the Emergency Operations Center. The Emergency Operations Center, when activated, is located in the Meeting Room in the East Granby Town Hall. The Emergency Management Office also coordinates the operation of the shelter located at the East Granby Community Center and works to develop a list of assets the town may need in a major emergency. Every year the Emergency Management Office also coordinates the operations for participation in the Governors Statewide Disaster Drill.

The following list offers preparedness tips for residents:

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Food and litter requirements for any pets
• Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants

Family Emergency Plan

• Identify an out-of- town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life. Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones.
• Subscribe to alert services. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.

Protecting Your Possessions

• It is important to review your insurance policies yearly and especially prior to the start of hurricane season.
• Review your policy with an agent, or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department to understand what is covered and what your coverage limits are to ensure you are receiving adequate protection.
• Keep your policies and insurance contact information in a safe place.
• Make an inventory of your possessions should your property be damaged and you have to make a claim.

Protecting Your Business

• Develop a preparedness plan – including resource management, emergency response, crisis communications, business continuity, information technology, employee assistance and incident management.
• Identify regulations that establish minimum requirements for your emergency program.
• Gather information about hazards and assess risks.
• Examine ways to prevent hazards and reduce risks