New Canaan Emergency Staff Warns of Downed Trees

The following is a statement from the New Canaan Office of Emergency Management.

NEW CANAAN, Conn. — First Selectman Jeb Walker and the Office of Emergency Management have been working to prepare the town prior to Hurricane Irene. As of 3:30 p.m. today, a formal state of emergency was declared by the town.

This storm has the potential for severe damage, including flooding and downed trees and wires. This will result in numerous road closures for an extended period of time. 

Residents in areas previously subject to flooding should expect severe flooding from this storm and are strongly encouraged to evacuate at this time.

An emergency shelter has been established at the Lapham Community Center and is currently in use.  Residents planning to go to the shelter should bring pillows, blankets, toiletries and a week’s worth of medications, if needed.  Pets may be brought to the center, and they will be picked up by the animal control staff and taken to the town’s shelter for safe-keeping. If bringing a pet, you should also bring a seven-day supply of pet food.

Walker has announced that a representative from Connecticut Light & Power will be stationed at the New Canaan Emergency Operations Center throughout the storm, which will greatly facilitate recovery efforts.

It is anticipated that the New Canaan Police Department's 911 center will be extremely busy during the storm and should be called only for emergency situations. A storm call center has been established for nonemergency questions. The number is 203-594-4100. 

Storm updates will be posted on the New Canaan town website, Channel 79, WICC-AM 600 and WNLK-AM 1350. You can also visit the Office of Emergency Management’s Facebook page.

Are you prepared to evacuate?

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