Hurricane Sandy: Sheltering in Guilford

Guilford's town website recently posted "Community Emergency Service: Be Aware and Prepare," which details policies and procedures for the town, as well as preparations to make. The following information about sheltering is from that document.

When a Community Emergency occurs, you will generally have three options:

Shelter in place.

Shelter with family or friends.

Shelter in a public facility.

Sheltering in Place is best if you believe that you are in a secure building and can safely remain there until sustainable conditions are restored for communication, transportation and access to critical supplies and services. It enables you the greatest control and flexibility over your circumstances.

However, if you are disabled or if you have medical conditions which require access to supplies and services, and you believe that your location is at risk of being isolated in the aftermath of a major storm, you may want to consider the other two sheltering options.

If you plan to shelter in place for an anticipated storm such as a coastal storm, blizzard or hurricane, you should assure adequate supplies of food, water, fuel and other essentials no later than 48 hours before the day of the anticipated event. Your supplies should be sufficient to sustain you and all members of your household for at least 3 days (72 hours), and ideally for 7 days (as illustrated by the August and October storms of 2011 with prolonged power outages.).

Shelter with family or friends is the next best thing to sheltering in place if you feel that your primary residence is too vulnerable to a major storm to be safe for you or your family. Sheltering with family or friends provides greater flexibility and comfort than will be found in a public shelter; particularly the comfort of sharing an otherwise unpleasant experience with people who know and care for each other and can accommodate each other’s needs.

Sheltering in a public facility is the last option when the other two are not available. Municipal and State governments have limited shelter capacity, and public shelters will always be a harsh compromise in privacy, comfort and convenience, if they are in fact available to all who need them.

The Primary Emergency Shelter for the Town of Guilford at this time is the

Nathaniel Greene Community Center at 32 Church Street between Rt. 1 and the Green.

Notification of the availability of this shelter will be posted on the town's website under Current Community Emergency Status twenty four hours in advance of a major storm that is anticipated to pose a risk to life and property within the Town. Other shelters may be opened by the Town or State if need arises and resources are available.

The Town government reserves the right to prioritize access to shelters based on availability of space and need of citizens. Citizens with special medical and disability needs may receive priority for access.

The Town government may also direct citizens to regional shelters that are better able to address their special needs, or have available capacity not otherwise available in Town.

Specific Notes relative to use of Public Shelters in Guilford

What you should bring to a public emergency shelter. Pillows, personal toiletries, medicines, sleeping bag.

What you MUST NOT BRING to a public emergency shelter. Weapons, alchohol, illegal drugs

Care of Animals: Animals, other than service animals for disabled individuals,
cannot be brought into the Community Center at any time. Any animals brought to the Center must be in a crate and will be kept on the front porch. (This applies to people coming for shelter after the event.)

Children in public shelters: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Persons with special medical or disability needs: Please be advised that the Community Center welcomes you but does not have medical staff or facilities during emergency shelter use. Bring what you need to sustain your needs.

Other Notes: The Community Center has some cots, sofas and mats for sleeping, 2 public showers, internet access, meals, electric outlets to recharge cell phones and access to water.

This is only part of the document available on the town website, for full detailed information, please refer to the Town of Guilford's Website. Further information includes evacuation policies and other resources.