Tolland Prepares for Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy is barrelling up the coast, ready to give Tolland a repeat performance of a stormy Halloween.

While the exact path of the storm is not yet certain, Public Safety Director and Fire Chief John Littell is encouraging residents to prepare themselves.

"I'm asking everyone who hasn't to please sign up for the Tolland Alert system," Littell said in an email to Tolland Patch.

The emergency alert system provides notifications to residents through their choice of text, phone call, email and fax in any combination.

He also directed residents to the Get Ready Capital Region website for storm preparation tips. 

Some of the recommended disaster supply kit items include:

• Bottled water: plan for a gallon of water per family member a day
• Back up supply of prescription medications
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kit
• A supply of canned and dried goods

Littell has provided several emergency preparedness resources, attached above as PDFs.

Stocking Up on Supplies

As of Thursday evening, the Tolland Big Y was not experiencing any shortage of supplies, according to store manager Ben Cardwell.

"Our experience last year has really helped us to prepare for this year," he said.

The store is receiving a shipment of all types of batteries on Friday, he said, and has plenty of bottled water, ice and flash lights.

In addition, he said that Big Y is scheduling for extra workers in anticipation of the storm. Cardwell expects the store to remain open unless the weather is exceptionally severe. He added that the store has generators to keep its freezers and refrigerators online in case of a power outage.

Help Tolland Prepare

Residents can lend the town a helping hand and make sure that the storm drains on the streets are free of leaves and debris, according to the Tolland Works Facebook page. Keeping the drains clear will prevent and alleviate flooding.

Follow Tolland Patch on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news as Hurricane Sandy travels closer.