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WESTON, Conn. Weston officials are urging residents not to venture out during Hurricane Irene because emergency vehicles may not be able to help them if they get in trouble.
The road crew is all set to go out. We have increased the number of police officers on duty and will have both fire stations manned, said First Selectman Gayle Weinstein. In high force winds, we cannot send out emergency vehicles. Were urging all residents to stay in their homes because we cannot guarantee an emergency vehicle to rescue them.
Weston officials closed town parks and school fields and outdoor facilities starting at noon on Saturday through Sunday.
The Emergency Management Team, consisting of the first selectman and the towns department heads, met on Friday and will meet again at 4 p.m. on Saturday to discuss the towns emergency plans.
The Public Works Department has spent the past two days checking equipment and clearing culverts and storm basins. The Police Department has been making cones, barricades and detour signs available in the event road are closed by flooding, accidents or downed trees.
Roads known to flood are: Newtown Turnpike by Dillon Pass, near the Onion Barn, sections of Georgetown Road and the intersection of Newtown Turnpike, Georgetown Road and Weston Road.
On Friday, the town issued the following CodeRed alert:
The effects of Hurricane Irene will begin tomorrow with heavy rain and we anticipate hurricane winds of up to 100 mph to begin on Sunday morning. This may change at any time, and people should check the town Website for updates. As the impending landfall of Hurricane Irene approaches, please take the following precautions to protect your families and property. 1. If you do not plan on evacuating, shelter yourselves indoors, stay away from windows and establish a room on the lowest level of your home as a safe area. 2. Store enough food and water for a 72-hour period. 3. DO NOT TRAVEL DURING THE STORM. Due to excessively high winds, emergency vehicles may not be able to operate. 4. Do not touch any wires or trees touching wires. 5. Refer to the Town of Weston Website at http://www.westonct.gov for updates regarding the storm 6. The town has plans in place to open an evacuation shelter if it is deemed necessary. There are several locations, and notification will be made to all residents if the decision is made to open an evacuation shelter. Again, check the town Website for updates. 7. Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a TRUE life-threatening emergency. First responders will only be responding to actual emergencies, when conditions permit them to do so.
What areas of Weston do you think will have the most flooding problems during the storm? Leave your comments in the box below.
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