Emergency Management
The Town of North Haven continues to maintain and enhance its role in the field of Emergency Management items that relate to emergency planning and its operations are continually monitored and reviewed for its reliability to properly service the Town of North Haven and its residents. The Town maintains a relationship with the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). We are in continual contact with representatives of this agency in our effort to keep North Haven safe. We also maintain a relationship with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal issues.
The North Haven Fire Chief also serves as the Emergency Management Director. During 2021 the Town of North Haven continued to support the newly created Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) which currently has provided free training to approximately 100 individuals for which about 50 have remained as active members of North Haven CERT. To learn more about North Haven CERT, please call 203-239-5321 Ext. 140. Training for the North Haven CERT takes place once a month and the initial training course occurs during the spring and fall months. Please check out the North Haven CERT Facebook page for more information.
The Town of North Haven Emergency Operations plan is continually reviewed. We are governed by the State to provide documentation for an annual review. Our plan is updated regularly and is shared throughout the various town departments. The document covers topics such as: Warning Devices, Evacuation, Sheltering, Public Information, Mass Care, Health and Medical, Hazardous Materials Responses and Communications. All town department heads as well as other key personnel play an important part in the plan and are well versed in their respective roles.
Our Emergency Operations Center remained active throughout 2021 due to Covid 19, the EF-1 tornado in August and several other weather-related emergencies. The town has the ability to open shelters and warming/cooling centers as weather dictates, and residents can be notified through the Town web site, NHTV or through the EVERBRIDGE reverse 911 notification system. Throughout the year as weather dictates, warming centers can be staffed to allow for temporary sheltering from extremely cold temperatures.
The Emergency Management Director of North Haven also devotes a significant amount of time recovering funding from the State of CT and FEMA. During incidents in which a state of emergency or disaster is declared, specific expenses incurred by the Town of North Haven are eligible for reimbursement. Additionally, the Town of North Haven actively pursues funding opportunities through the CT Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG).
Residents are reminded that the Town of North Haven has an ordinance regarding building numbering. This is in place to allow us to better and properly service you in the event of an emergency. All structures are required to be numbered. Assistance in complying with the ordinance is available through the Town’s fire department.
Have you signed up for the North Haven Mass Notification System? Doing so will provide you with immediate notifications from the Town of North Haven to your mobile, work or home phone, via text, e-mail or voice message. Receive notifications that may affect your home, workplace, safety and health and well-being. Learn more by visiting the Town of North Haven website and register today! Link to Register for North Haven specific notifications.
DURING A HURRICANE THREAT
Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates
- Shutter or board the windows in your home
- Secure outdoor objects or bring them inside
- Stock up on food and water in case you must take shelter in your home
- Fuel up your car in case an evacuation is ordered
- Turn off utilities at the main valves or switches if instructed by authorities
Terms to Know
- Hurricane Watch- Hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours
- Hurricane Warning- A hurricane is expected within 24 hours
- Storm Surge- A dome of water pushed ashore by hurricane-forced winds
- Storm Tide- A storm surge combined with a normal tide
DURING A HURRICANE
- Take refuge on the ground floor or in a small central room or hallway
- Get under a small table or similar strong object
- Keep away from windows or glass doors
- Close all inside doors
- Brace all outside doors
AFTER A HURRICANE
- Remain in a secure location until you are notified it is safe to leave
- Do not drive unless necessary
- Do not drink tap water until authorities say it’s safe
- Stay away from waterways until potential flooding has passed
- Report downed power lines and broken gas and sewer mains to authorities
- Inspect your home for damage
- Report damage to your insurance agent
EXTREME TEMPERATURES
During A Heat Wave
- Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possibleand in the shade if you go outside
- If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place
- Wear sunscreen outside, along with light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
- Never leave children or pets alone in a car
- Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day
- Take a cool shower or bath
Terms to Know
Heat Wave- Period of extreme heat, usually accompanied by high humidity
Heat Index- The relative humidity add to the air temperature (how hot if feels)
Heat Cramps- Muscle pains due to exertion –the first sign of heat related problems
Heat Exhaustion- A mild form of shock brought on by strenuous activity in the heat
Heat Stroke- A life threatening condition occurring when the body’s temperature control system shuts down. Brain damage or death can result if the body is not cooled at once
