What’s Up With Hurricane Joaquin – Are You Prepared?

It's still a few days before we feel any impact from Hurricane Joaquin, but in both New York and Connecticut state officials want you to be ready.

Residents and businesses are reminded to be prepared for the potential of hurricane activity as Joaquin strengthened to a hurricane Wednesday morning near the Bahamas.

According to foxct.com Gov. Dan Malloy released the following statement Wednesday:

“We are monitoring the storm closely, and our state emergency management officials have been in regular contact with the national weather service. While there are many variables with this storm, we are paying close attention to its track. Just as the state and its agencies are monitoring the weather and preparing appropriately, residents should do the same and closely watch forecasts over the next few days.”

The the Connecticut and New York state’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection advises that every home and business have a basic emergency plan that can be used for any major storm. Here are some of the department’s tips:

Recommended items to include 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 non-perishable 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
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, or solar charger

So whats the latest on Joaquin, and where is it heading. Here's the latest projected path from the National Weather Service as of 11am on Thursday October 1st, 2015