When it Rains it Pours: Real-time Situational Awareness for Two Weather Emergencies in Connecticut

On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene made landfall in Connecticut. On October 29, 2011 Connecticut was impacted by Winter Storm Alfred. Both of these storms included high winds and heavy precipitation which resulted in prolonged power outages, disruption of public drinking water systems, property damage, and widespread debris throughout the state. The Hospital Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance (HEDSS) System was utilized to provide real-time situational awareness during the response and recovery phases of both storm events.

Objective

To characterize the utility of the Connecticut HEDSS system for real-time situational awareness during two weather-related emergencies.