With the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season starting Monday, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Friday reminded Connecticut residents to be prepared for any severe weather that may affect the state.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from Monday to Nov. 30, with the principal threat period for Connecticut occurring between mid-August and mid-October.

“As we have experienced, it only takes one hurricane or tropical storm to make landfall to have a devastating impact on our state,” Malloy said in a news release. “Now is the time to prepare. I urge residents to take three simple preparedness steps: Get a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. These three steps will allow you to become more resilient to any storm or emergency you may face.”

Dora B. Schriro, commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said now is the time for residents to familiarize themselves with the potential risks in their neighborhoods, including storm surge, flooding and road or bridge closures. 

Malloy urged residetnst to follow the following preparedness tips:

Keep these items in a basic emergency supply kit:

  • one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

  • at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food.

  • battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

  • flashlight and extra batteries.

  • first aid kit.

  • a whistle to signal for help.

  • moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

  • wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

  • a manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).

  • local maps.

  • cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.

  Families also are urged to create an emergency plan that includes:

  • an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

  • a cellphone, coins or prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. Make sure all family members know the phone number. If you have a cellphone, program someone as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get ahold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.

• Text messaging lessons for each family member. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

• an alert services subscription. Visit: www.ct.gov/ctalert to register for emergency alerts.

For information about hurricane preparedness, visit www.ct.gov/hurricane or www.ready.gov.