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Update: The New Canaan Office of Emergency Management Facebook page can also be reached at www.newcanaanoem.com.
NEW CANAAN, Conn. Expected damage from Hurricane Irene may force New Canaan residents to be on their own for up to a week, emergency operations officials said Saturday.
Emergency Operations Center volunteer Nick Williams said New Canaan is now in a state of emergency. First Selectman Jeb Walker officially signed a declaration of emergency at 3:30 p.m., hours in advance of Hurricane Irene reaching Connecticut.
The declaration makes it easier for the town to get state aid as well as close roads for an extended period of time, Williams said. It will also allow the town to call for mandatory evacuations, if needed.
Emergency Operations Director Mike Handler said Irene is expected to be a Category 1 hurricane when it reaches town with sustained winds of 75 to 90 mph. The storm is expected to knock down trees and power lines as well as cause power losses for an unknown period of time.
During the height of the storm, residents should stay in their homes and away from windows. Residents should plan on being self-sufficient for a minimum of seven days, Handler said a statement.
Although there are no mandatory evacuation orders, Handler said residents in low-lying areas, particularly on the east side of town, should leave soon. Residents in areas previously subject to flooding should expect severe flooding as a result of this storm. Evacuation is strongly recommended now, he said.
New Canaan has opened the Lapham Community Center in Waveny Park as an emergency shelter, which includes 30 cots. Residents who go to Lapham should bring their medicines, linens, food and their pets, which will be taken to another location.
Williams said four residents were at Lapham as of 5 p.m. Saturday. Two of those residents, Sydney and Beverly Greenberg, were at the Lapham Center before noon Saturday. The Greenbergs, who live on Parade Hill Road, said they were concerned about their home and driveway being hit by trees as well as losing power.
New Canaan may open another shelter, possibly at Waveny House, if more room is needed.
Officials are also asking residents to store all patio furniture, grills and construction materials, including Dumpsters, as well as fill their bathtubs with water.
Residents with questions, concerns or who want to volunteer to help the emergency operations team can call 203-594-4100. Information can also be found on the town's website as well as the Emergency Management Facebook page.
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