Message From the Town of Greenwich:

This is likely to be a major storm event. The Western Greenwich Civic Center has been identified as a sheltering station effective 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27.

The latest forecast predicts that Irene could make landfall in Connecticut in the Stamford area as a Category 1 hurricane around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday the 28th of August. There may be sustained winds of 90 miles per hour with gusts up to 110 miles per hour. In addition to the wind, rainfall is predicted to be 10 to 15 inches during this storm event.

If you have previously experienced flooding in you home or on your property, you should begin to take precautions to protect your belongings. At the conclusion of this press release is a copy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Sea, Lake and Overland Surge from Hurricane (SLOSH) map. If you reside in any area that may be green or yellow, you too should begin moving all belongings from your basement or garage to higher ground. Evacuation of shoreline and other low-lying areas may be necessary.

Please routinely check you local news outlets for up to date information. The Town of Greenwich will issue further information as it becomes available.

Residents are encouraged to visit websites including the Town’s website (www.greenwichct.org) to view the booklet on hurricane preparedness, The American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), and the federal government (www.ready.gov) for pointers on personal readiness and listen to local news radio and TV stations (WGCH 1490 AM, WLNK 1350 AM and Cablevision Channel 12) for up to date information. During an emergency the Town may opt to use the Reverse 911 system to send a recorded message to each resident that has a published number. All residents with non-published numbers must sign on through the Town’s website. Cell phone numbers can also be programmed for contact.

MORE INFORMATION

Review the Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricane (SLOSH) map to see the potential effects of Hurricane Irene. Hurricane Slosh Map

August 25 UPDATE Hurricane Press Release.

August 24 Hurricane Press Release.

Hurricane Preparedness Brochure.

Looking for a practical holiday gift? The nor’easter of this past March caught most of us unprepared – for a gift that provides a lifeline and security, think portable radio with incorporated flashlight and solar cell phone charger all-in- one. The Greenwich chapter of the American Red Cross has the perfect solution with the Eton Solarlink FR360 Emergency Radio.

Eton Solarlink FR360 Emergency Radio

$45.00

Description: The American Red Cross recommends that  households have a portable battery-operated radio as part of their complete disaster supply kit to listen to local TV, Radio, and NOAA emergency information broadcasts. The FR360 is an AM/FM Water Resistant Radio that receives NOAA weather alerts. It has a LED Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger capabilities. It can be powered with four different sources including a hand crank, solar power, battery power (3 AAA or 3 AA* not included) or AC power adapter.  Perfect not only for emergencies, but camping, hiking, boating, or anywhere you need to stay in touch.  Dimensions: 6.25″W x 6.5″H x 2.75″D, Weight: 1 lb

The radio can be ordered from the Red Cross store at this link or if you’re running late with your holiday shopping as most of us are, you can pick one up at the Red Cross The Greenwich Red Cross – 99 Indian Field Road – Greenwich, CT 06830 – Telephone: (203) 869-8444.  Hours are 9:00am-5:00pm M-F.

In coordination with the American Red Cross, Public Safety and Health Department, several “warming centers” have been established in town to assist residents who have lost power and/or heat and will be open during regular business hours that are listed below.
Greenwich Hospital’s Main Lobby-5 Perryridge Road Thu, Fri, Sat -8am-6pm
The Greenwich Library-101 West Putnam Avenue Thu, Fri- 9am-9pm, Sat-9am-5pm
The Senior Center- 299 Greenwich Avenue Thu- Fri-8am-4pm
Residents can keep warm by following a few safety measures while outdoors like wear a hat, scarf and gloves as well as staying dry. Also, while indoors make sure to dress efficiently, eat regularly and keep hydrated. Emergency Telephone Numbers for Utility companies:
Connecticut Light and Power: 1.800.286.2000
Connecticut Natural Gas: 203.869.6900
In the event that you lose heat or do not have a warm place to stay, the Town of Greenwich is prepared to open emergency shelters on an as needed basis and residents should contact the Greenwich Police Department at 203.622.8000 for assistance. For those residents that have heating issues, such as running out of heating fuel and cannot get a delivery they should contact the info line at 211 for assistance. This is a time for the residents of the community to show unity and come together and reach out to their neighbors, especially the elderly so no one is without shelter or heat over the next couple of days.