Groton Officials To Open Storm Shelter At Fitch High School

GROTON, CT — In preparation for Tropical Storm Henri, the town of Groton emergency management and police departments are urging citizens to properly prepare. Citizens in low-lying areas and those prone to flooding are encouraged to seek shelter with friends or relatives in safer areas or at available shelters.

The town of Groton is opening a shelter at Fitch High School at 101 Groton Long Point Road, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday. COVID precautions will still be in place and citizens are required to wear face masks while in the shelter. Prior to entering the shelter, staff will screen each
individual with COVID related questions as well as a temperature check. Staff will provide additional guidance as needed.

• Blankets, pillows, toiletries, medicine, additional clothing, special dietary needs, cell phones with charge cords and headphones, portable electronics with headphones and any other items you may require that are not listed.

• Pets are allowed at the shelter and the town animal control officers will be available to help you with your pet-related needs.

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Food and litter requirements for any pets
• Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
• Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter

Get your home ready.

• Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.

• Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.

• Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning
• The website link below offers detailed information to aid in your preparation.
• Sand Bags
• Sand and sand bags are located in between the Public Works Highway Garage and the Town Hall Annex, at 134 Groton Long Point Road.

First responders stand ready to serve the community during this storm but we need your help. As the storm impacts the area, citizens are urged to stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside.

Sometimes, weather gets calm in the middle of a storm but then quickly worsens again. If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you need to contact the Groton Emergency Communications Center, it can be reached at 860-445-2000 or 860-445-2497 24 hours a day.

To register for free Groton breaking news alerts and more, click here.