Hurricane Sandy: Guilford First Selectman Says "We're Ready"

As Hurricane Sandy barrels towards us, First Selectman Joseph Mazza holds an Emergency Management Team meeting to prepare for the storm's potential impact. The meeting included members from emergency services, including the Police and Fire Departments, public works, an engineering representative, a representative from Guilford Public Schools, the Park and Rec, the Environmental Warden, among others.

Mazza says there were three main goals of the meeting:

1.)  To ensure that all departments had a full staff and that they were on alert

2.)  To ensure that the town’s equipment was ready, including chainsaws being sharpened and generators topped off

3.)  To ensure that requisitions were in order for commodities, in case the emergency shelter has to be opened

All three goals were acomplished. “The Emergency Operations is in partial activation mode and we awaiting any further decisions until we hear from the state over the weekend,” says the First Selectman. “The shelter staff is prepared, and we have enough provisions and equipment.”

As far as things have been discussed, schools are planning to open on Monday, and there are no plans for evacuation.  “We are monitoring the information and the situation,” says Mazza. “We are a go for staff, equipment and commodities.”

Mazza is confident in the town’s ability to handle what may come. “We are in a state of readiness,” he says. “Our staff is good, they know what they’re doing. When its time for us to respond, our crews will be there."

Visit the town's website for official statements. Stay tuned to Guilford Patch for Hurricane updates.