July 2007

I do not intend to downplay the importance of Homeland Security. But from what I've read, and from lectures I've attended, I denote a consensus that the threat of a natural disaster, such as a Category 3 hurricane, is more imminent than that of a terrorist attack, in Killingworth. Some amongst us remember the massive devastation caused by the hurricane of 1938. According to scientific data, we may experience a hurricane of similar proportions in the near future. Such an event would cause an upheaval to our infrastructure and immobilize the community for days, even weeks. It is also conceivable that we would have to cope with this on our own. Just think of Katrina!

Don McDougall, the Director of Emergency Management, Richard Bauer, the Fire Chief, and Walter Adametz, the acting supervisor of the highway department, are working in conjunction with their members to establish supply depots and relief centers at the schools and public facilities in town. Can you imagine destruction so vast that it could prevent people from reaching a source of assistance?

There is a need to divide the town into self sufficient districts and not depend solely on central supply stations. Does anyone recall the Air Raid Wardens during World War II? Each district should have one or more wardens to mobilize the residents for civil preparedness in the advent of a major emergency.

Along with other supplies, everyone should keep water, food, and medications on hand. Also, basements, barns, and other outbuildings could serve as neighborhood Points of Distribution, or PODS, as defined by the Department of Health, for disbursement of supplies. It is important for residents to pool their physical and material resources. Although we have a roster of people with EMT or first aid training, it is also important to document the various skills and the availability of everyone in the district. We should maintain an updated list of resources of every kind that could be useful in an all out emergency.

With the July invoice, CL&P included a leaflet with instructions on preparing for an anticipated storm. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security distributed a list of "Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit." If you haven't received these pamphlets call CL&P at 1-800-286-2000, for their notice. Copies of the bulletin published by Homeland Security are available at the Town Office Building.

We may need the participation of every Killingworth citizen to restore the community. If we experience massive devastation we would require assistance from people in surrounding areas as well. As First Selectman, I attempt to familiarize myself with all in neighboring communities whose help we might need in an emergency.

Having served the Killingworth community for the past twenty months and experiencing the emotional bond that forges, I am concerned about the safety and well being of all residents. Whenever possible, however, small children and elderly people should receive priority in obtaining relief. Please be aware that I am receptive to your ideas and experiences, and hope you will contact me at my office in Town Hall, at 663-1765.

Sincerely,
Marty