Shelton Police Chief Joel Hurliman urged residents to use common sense and prepare for the worst as Hurricane Sandy crawls up the East Coast.
In an interview Saturday morning, Hurliman said residents in the Maples neighborhood along the Housatonic River should strongly consider self-evacuation prior to actual flooding or a town-ordered mandatory evacuation.
Waiting until until the town orders people to get out could eliminate the chances of securing a hotel room if and when the storm hits, Hurliman said.
The police chief urged residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to closely monitor weather forecasts.
Hurliman said the town has a number of options for emergency shelters, if such shelters are needed. Which shelter to use depends on the storm’s impact and what areas of towns are affected.
Emergency officials will use a number of ways to get the word out about shelters if the need arises, Hurliman said. Those methods include reverse 911 calls, press releases, web sites and social media, Hurliman said.
A conference call between the state and municipal leaders was scheduled to take place 1 p.m. Saturday, the chief said.
The impact from Hurricane Sandy may be felt late Sunday and into next week.
The National Weather Service was scheduled to issue another public advisory at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Hurliman urged residents to be prepared.
“The federal government, the state and the city are all stressing that everyone should have their own emergency plan and emergency supplies,” Hurliman said. “Flash lights, water, food.”
Click here for the state’s Hurricane Sandy website, which includes information on how to prepare.
