East Haddam Prepares for Hurricane Irene

The National Hurricane Center warns Hurricane Irene continues to grow in strength and size and is now on track to become a Category 4 hurricane.  The storm remains unpredictable and East Haddam Emergency Management is closely monitoring the track as it heads toward the Northeast.  Based on the current track, severe weather from Hurricane Irene is expected to affect the State of CT during the day on Sunday.

East Haddam Emergency Management is coordinating with all town departments to ensure the town is prepared for this storm.  All departments are reviewing their emergency response plans and performing checks of equipment that will be needed should Irene hit CT as expected.  Meetings of all the responder agencies are scheduled to review preparations and monitor the storms track.  Additionally, the towns Emergency Management Volunteers and CERT Team Members have been contacted and are preparing to assist as needed.

With the anticipated high winds and significant rainfall, wide spread loss of power may occur. If sustained power outages occur, the town is prepared to open Emergency Shelters as necessary. Since most residents will choose to “shelter in place” as long as they can, the Emergency Shelter will only be opened as needed.

It is imperative that you take this time to prepare for this storm.  With expected road closures due to wires and trees down and driveways to houses blocked, the response of emergency personal may be delayed significantly should you call for assistance. Therefore it is imperative for you to plan for the storm in order to be as self sufficient as possible. 

Please visit the Red Cross or National Hurricane Center websites for pre-storm checklists that will assist you in preparing your home and your family for this storm. 

Should you have any storm related questions please call the East Haddam Town Hall at 860-873-5020 during normal business hours.  You can also email to ehaddamemgmgt@easthaddam.org. 

Please check the East Haddam town website information as the storm approaches.