Officials prepare for the worst

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- State leaders are doing "all they can" to prevent another disaster like what the state experienced after Tropical Storm Irene, which left tens of thousands of homes in the dark for several agonizing days.

It was only a test, but the weather scenario was serious.

"This is a major hurricane, category five," explained the state's weather advisor, Doug Glowacki. "That is sustained winds of 160 miles per hour."

The mock drill included state agencies and utilities taking information to plot the proper emergency response, having communities craft action plans, and even sending crews out on practice runs to remove downed trees.

"Local public works actually going out and practice, making safe crews in their particular towns," said Scott Devico from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Trees fell on power lines, cut off electricity, blocked roads, and caused major power outages in the Farmington Valley during the October Nor'easter.

The utilities were criticized for their response. Those same power companies were participating in the drill.
 
Another lesson from Tropical Storm Irene last August was the strength of the sudden surge, which caught many off guard in those same shoreline towns that are now preparing for a possible repeat.

"We will meet with all state agencies, all participants in the drill to see what our strengths, what are weaknesses were and what are gaps where that we need to improve on," Devico said.

The drill was for the professional and volunteer emergency responders, but it's also a reminder that everyone should get a kit together and craft a plan.

Visit http://www.ct.gov/demhs/ for tips on how to prepare for a hurricane.