Hurricane Sandy Alert: Mandatory Evacuations Ordered for Parts of Guilford

After a meeting late this morning, the Emergency Operations Committee decided to issue a mandatory evacuation for all residents living south of the railroad tracks in Guilford and other areas prone to coastal flooding.

“If you down by the coast, you have to get out,” said Guilford Police Chief. “The Lower end of Soundview, Sunrise by the swamp water, West river bridge, might see water as high up as Route 1, these are all trouble spots. We expect waves 8.7 feet above high tides. If water was near your house in Irene, you'll have it in your house with Sandy.”

"What we have here is a storm that will be more severe than Irene, record high tides and record winds, sustained 30-45 mph, and gusts up to 80,” said First Selectman Mazza. “We are most concerned about the storm surge. The Governor is extremely concerned about the coast line.”

"The Guilford Fire Department is ready to go, we ask you to please evacuate,” said Guilford Fire Chief. “As the storm continues, we may ask for more evacuations. We are under a mandatory evacuation for below the railroad track and please, get out of flood areas.”

The Police Chief stressed that if you are in a mandatory evacuation area, and you choose not to leave, should you have an emergency, they can't guarantee that they will be able to respond.

"Looking at our shifts, we’ll do 12 hour shifts,” said the Police Chief. “We will assist the Fire Department in trying to get people out of homes in at risk areas. This is going to be the strongest storm we've seen here. The water is stockpiling in Long Island Sound and the wind will not let water flow out.”

“Each high tide is going to be successively worse,” added Mazza. “We were told by CL&P 70% of CT out of Power for 3-4 days.”

"The Emergency Operations Center is partially activated, and will be fully activated tomorrow at 6 AM," First Selectman Joseph Mazza told Guilford Patch. "The Shelter, at Nathaniel Greene Community Center at 32 Church Street between Rt. 1 and the Green, will have someone on staff today as of 2 PM today."

"For those who chose to come to the shelter, please bring your personal items including toiletries, linens, and prescriptions for at least 3 to 5 days," he continued. "Pets are allowed at the shelter, but must be crated. They will be sheltered in a separate area at the center, protected from the elements.  Hot showers and a place to be safe will be provided."

“We encourage residents, if you have a catch basin near your property please clear it off,” said Mazza. “We do not have the Public Works manpower to clear them all.  And Sign up for reverse 911 alerts. Can’t emphasize the importance of CT alerts enough. Also check the town website, Guilford Patch, GCTV.  We will use every means necessary to communicate”

Sand and sand bags are currently available behind the Guilford Police Station, near the Fire Department. "People should not expect full restoration of power for 7-10 days," Mazza concluded."

Later today, GCTV will have a statement from the First Selectman. Tune into Channel 20 and the bulletin board on channel 18. Continue to check the towns website as updates become available.

This is the information available now, please continue to check Guilford Patch for more information as it becomes available. For constant updates throughout the storm stay tuned!!