The potential threat of hurricanes to Westport is causing first responders to take action and prepare for the threat.

This hurricane season has not only devastated thousands of lives and altered life for millions, the storms have also destroyed billions of dollars worth of property. So, towns all around the country have been preparing for these storms, and Westport hasn’t been an exemption.

Through their guidance, even civilian volunteers are trained as responders with running through practice drills and other scenarios to help protect the town and its citizens. These responders are making sure to always have fuel in their cars and be ready to help. The response teams sometimes even have a fire truck placed on Saugatuck Island to aid in helping during a flood.

Still, these first responders can run into some trouble. When people are reluctant to evacuate the area, the responders are put at a risk. With having people in vulnerable areas, first responders aren’t able to be properly sheltered in safety. So Jim Marpe advises citizens to evacuate if necessary.

Throughout the time, Westport has changed its ways from the experiences of different storms. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy directly impacted Westport causing floods and power outages. In fact, seven houses in the area were destroyed.

“Hurricanes can get that large, and the damage Sandy has done is unthinkable,” said Robert Yost, the Head of the Westport Fire Department. Each time there was a storm, the department would make a note so they would be able to improve on further issues.

Along with the notes, Westport has also made an effort to shelter those who are in need. “After Sandy, we reviewed what we could do better and decided to change our shelter location to Staples Field House from Long Lots Elementary School,” said Jim Marpe. Since Staples High School has a larger space, it accommodates people and their pets.

When hit with a warning, the Central Fire Station is up and running, with weather radars and computers tracking the hurricane’s movement. Westport has the protocol to open up the station when threatened with a storm. This year, after Hurricane Jose, Westport had it up and running once again.

Another way Westport is able to get the warning out is called Code Red, “This method is called Reverse 911. We can call the people and warn them if there is a problem and tell them to evacuate,” said Mr. Marpe. Westport is able to call citizens to warn them to evacuate, contrary to the citizens calling 911.

This registration method gives civilians more specific instruction on what to do when a disaster strikes.
However, there are other ways to stay protected in an emergency like a hurricane. “Be prepared to have no power and have a plan for other ways to communicate,” said Mr. Yost. Having a backup plan is essential to keeping safe. Whether it is cordless phones for communication or having loose cash, an extra supply could be important to have.

Seventh grader Mallika Subramanian agrees. “We have to prepare our surroundings and pack flashlights, batteries, and things we need on a regular basis,” she said.

Since some damage of the hurricanes can extend hundreds of miles inland, the Department of Homeland Security has some supplies to have after and during an emergency. Having a first aid kit, hygiene items, and canned goods are some of the important items to keep stocked up on.

Hurricanes are disasters that we cannot control; however, we can control our response to these storms. By keeping an emergency supply kit, or being able to evacuate, we are taking action and preparing ourselves from these threats.

Westport has learned from the history with hurricanes, and worked even harder to keep citizens safe.
“The most important thing is to get this town back operating,” said Mr. Marpe.