Officials To Hold Emergency Preparedness Meeting This Morning

On Friday morning, town officials are expected to meet to discuss the town's preparedness in case Hurricane Irene makes herself well-known to Clinton this Sunday.

The meeting is not open to the public, but Patch will bring you all the details the moment they become available.

Right now, Andrews Memorial Town Hall has been designated as an emergency shelter.  If there is an evacuation, residents will be notified via a telephone call system. A map will be published of the evacuation route.

A message from Clinton First Selectman Willie Fritz:

Preparations have begun in the event the town receives a direct hit or glancing blow from Hurricane Irene this Sunday, August 28.

Residents are urged to take necessary steps (see below) to prepare for the hurricane.

In the event of a significant impact from Irene, our emergency notification system will be used and residents will be instructed as to further precautions. 

More to follow from the Clinton Patch as news becomes available.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

As we enter the 2011 Hurricane season we need to prepare ourselves in the event a storm threatens our area. It is never too early to prepare so here are some steps you as an individual can take to ready yourself.

1)   Pay attention to your local news and news websites. Advisories, when issued, should be taken seriously.  A portable battery-operated radio is a must in the event there is no power.

2)   Make sure you have plenty of batteries. If services are interrupted, a radio and flashlights will be needed.

3)   Keep your car fueled should evacuation be necessary. Fuel up in advance and remember gas stations may not be able to provide fuel if there is an interruption of utilities.

4)   Store as much drinking water as possible. Fill bathtubs, jugs and whatever containers you have. Water may be contaminated after a storm.

5)   Board up windows where possible and stay away from them during a storm, if not evacuated. Take shelter in an interior room such as a bathroom or a small hallway.

6)   Secure outdoor objects that might become debris. Many harmless items can become deadly missiles. Secure boats with additional moorings or move them to a safe area.

7)  If an evacuation is ordered, evacuate. Most lives and injuries occur because people don’t evacuate.

Additional information will be made available on the town's website if necessary, regarding evacuation routes and the process for notification. These recommendations, if followed, will make the town better prepared in the event of a hurricane. Please take this seriously, don’t ever think Katrina couldn’t happen here.