Hurricane Irene Update – Saturday, 2:15 PM – 8/27/2011

Posted by Bob on August 27, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Read the First Comment

Hurricane Irene forecasts continue to project significant rain and high winds moving into Connecticut late Saturday (8/27/2011) and intensifying early Sunday (8/28/2011) morning.  Currently, the hurricane itself is scheduled to reach Southwestern Connecticut sometime mid-to-late morning on Sunday (8/28/2011).  Even if Irene is downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it initially reaches Connecticut, extreme high winds are still expected.

While Naugatuck will maintain a shelter-at-home approach as the Borough does not have a large enough facility with back-up power to house residents in mass.  The state, however, has advised residents who truly need alternative, short-term living arrangements to use the Infoline system by dialing 211.  Callers will be linked to regional shelter facilities organized by the American Red Cross.  For those with certain, mobile-computing devices, there is an application for Red Cross shelters available.

I have made a declaration of a state of emergency effective as of 12:00 Noon today (8/27/2011), currently through the end of Monday (8/29/2011).  The primary reason for the declaration to this point is to give the Borough flexibility to engage contractors as needed to address weather-related incidents.  Any additional actions taken pursuant to the state of emergency will be made on a case-by-case basis if necessary, always in consultation with Naugatuck’s Emergency Management Team.

Information regarding power outages may be viewed on the Connecticut Light and Power website by linking here.

Department of Public Works crews continue to make pre-storm preparations, primarily in the form of clearing and/or vacuuming catch basins.  Any assistance residents can provide prior to the storm to keep neighborhood, catch basins free of debris is greatly appreciated.  Under no circumstances should residents leave their homes for such purposes once the hurricane itself arrives.

Additional information shall be posted when appropriate.  All members of the media are free to quote from this blog.  Please make any last minute preparations prior to the arrival of heavy rain this evening (8/27/2011).  The Naugatuck Emergency Operations Center will be open at the Naugatuck Police Station beginning at 6:00 AM, Sunday (8/28/2011) morning.  Residents with true emergencies are advised to call 911.  During the full force of the hurricane, public safety and emergency management personnel will respond only to life-threatening situations.

Be Safe and God Bless.