Old Lyme Declares State of Emergency

Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder declared a state of emergency in effect for Old Lyme in face of Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to arrive in full force early next week, with stormy weather beginning Sunday.

Town residents are strongly urged to take precautions now. In a press release issued this afternoon, Dave Roberge, director of the town's emergency management center recommends the following:

• Use sandbags to shore up flood prone areas. Sandbags are available free of charge at the town garage located on Machnik Road.
• Check your home insurance coverage and take photographs of your property to document prestorm conditions.
• If you're planning to use a generator after the storm, make sure you know how to use it properly. Generators can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. If improperly wired, generators can re-electrify street power lines, causing injury or death to utility workers, emergency responders, and passersby.
• Secure all yard furniture, flower pots, garbage cans, tools, etc. to prevent them from blowing around. 
• Check that your LPG tanks are closed and properly secured. High water can tear tanks away from their bases, creating floating hazards for rescue workers. 

Old Lyme's Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the situation. Anyone with storm related questions should call (860) 598-0120. The call center is currently unmanned but you can leave a message and someone will return your call. If you have an emergency, call 911. 

Post storm information centers will be set up at key municipal facilities for residents to obtain daily updates. Updates will also be posted on the town's emergency management center's Facebook and Twitter. 

Information centers are located at Old Lyme Fire Station on Cross Road, Old Lyme Fire Station on Lyme Street, Old Lyme Fire Station on Boughton Road, Town Hall on Lyme Street, Lymes' Senior Center on Town Woods Road.