Hurricane Sandy: East Haven Info Center

The following is a press release from the East Haven Mayor's Office.

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. met with department heads and state elected officials today in order to continue to mobilize the Town’s resources in advance of Hurricane Sandy.

Maturo explained, “The Town is activating its Emergency Operations Center, which will serve as the hub for directing the Town’s response before, during, and after the storm.  In addition, the Town is ordering a mandatory evacuation of various low-lying areas beginning at 8AM on Sunday morning and to be completed by 6PM Sunday night.  Finally, the Town is opening its Emergency Shelter, located at East Haven High School on Wheelbarrow Lane, for anyone who relocates or who needs a place to take shelter.”

Maturo explained, “The Town will be sending out a reverse-911 call at 8AM tomorrow morning to notify certain residents in low-lying areas that they should evacuate.  In order to ensure the safety of residents and their belongings, the Town has coordinated to establish a strong police presence in evacuation areas.”

In addition, the Town is slated to open its Emergency Shelter, located at East Haven High School on Wheelbarrow Lane, at noon on Sunday.  The shelter, which will be fully staffed and protected, will be open to any residents who relocate or need a safe place to take shelter. 

Maturo continued, “The shelter will be open to residents and their pets.  Residents who relocate and take advantage of the shelter should remember to bring toiletries, bedding, and important documents, including identification, with them.  Also, the Town is in need of volunteers to supplement the Town’s staff at the shelter.  Anyone interested in working at the shelter, should call 203-468-3221 to volunteer.”

The Mayor's Office also noted that pets should be transported in carrier cases to the shelter.

The Town has met with representatives from United Illuminating, and has teamed up to ensure that UI employees will be on-hand at the Town’s Emergency Operations Center to ensure that the Town will have a coordinated response after the storm to restore electric service to homes which suffer power outages.

Maturo explained, “The Town will have public works crews surveying damage and working to make roads safe for travel following the storm.  Our crews will be coordinating with United Illuminating to work together to restore service as quickly as possible following the storm.”

Additionally, Maturo indicated that the Town has coordinated with Superintendent of Schools Tony Serio and, to ensure the safety of our students, has cancelled school for Monday and Tuesday.

Maturo concluded, “Residents should stay informed and up-to-date as this storm develops and moves through the area.  However, at the same time, residents should rest assured knowing that the Town is doing everything possible to ensure a coordinated, effective response before, during, and after the storm.” 

For continuing updates regarding the storm, the Town’s response, and resources available in Town, residents should visit www.easthavenfire.com.”

East Haven Patch will also be providing continuous updates before, during and after the storm. To share information, feel free to contact editor Julie Weisberg at julie.weisberg@patch.com or cell at 203-321-7570.