East Haddam Emergency Management: Update on Storm Sandy

This is an important message from Emergency Management Director Craig Mansfield and First Selectman Mark Walter. 

East Haddam is forecasted to be hit with a hybrid Storm that will have the potential to cause high winds and heavy rain for an extended period of time beginning late today.  These strong winds are forecasted to continue for more than 36 hours with the strongest being after 6 PM Monday and through Tuesday. 

All residents are urged to make final preparations today.  Residents are reminded that they should purchase supplies, food and water to be self-sufficient for the first 48-72 hours.  Up to date storm and preparation information is available on the web at ct.gov/sandy or by calling 211.

All residents are encouraged to monitor local TV or Radio for current information.  Residents are also asked to assist the town by clearing any leaves and debris from storm drains located in front of their home. Based on the current forecast we expect multiple road closures from downed trees causing widespread power outages.  Power outages are expected to be long term and effect areas of our community for up to 7 days or more.  Outages are all expected to effect Cable TV, internet access and both Landline and Cell phone service.  

For safety reasons, Utility providers will not be able to clear roads of wires and begin restoration until the high winds have ceased. Residents should treat all downed wires as if they are live!  For your safety, DO NOT TOUCH ANY DOWNED WIRES.  

Residents are also reminded if they plan to use a generator the importance of using it safely.  Tips can be found on the CT Light and Power website at www.Cl-p.com. 

At the peak of the Storm, Residents may experience significantly delayed response times to emergencies. There may be a period of time where responders are unable to travel the roads and respond to calls for service.  We will respond to all emergency calls for service as quickly as possible and as soon as it is safe to do so. 

During the Storm, Emergency Management Volunteers will be staffing an information center at the East Haddam Senior Center located at 15 Great Hillwood Road.  This center will be open Monday night beginning at 6 PM and remain open as long as needed.  

Residents needing any type of assistance or looking for information should come to or call the Senior Center.  The Phone # is 860-873-5034.  If available, all residents should use 911 for reporting any emergency situations. 

We know most residents would prefer to shelter in Place.  At this time there are no plans to open a shelter pre-storm in East Haddam.  The need for opening a shelter locally and what services will be provided after the storm passes will be determined based on the storms impact to East Haddam.  

Anyone wanting to shelter through the storm should call 211 for a list of shelters that will be open in our area. Additional alert messages will be sent throughout the storm.  Also, written daily information updates will be distributed at local businesses and other key areas throughout town.  

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation throughout this storm.  Please be Safe.