Hurricane News Update: Ledyard

Hurricane news relating to Ledyard has been coming in all day. Here are some of the latest reports:

• The Ledyard Board of Education announced on Friday that the start of the new school year will be delayed by one day. Students will now start school on Thursday, Sept. 1. Faculty and staff will begin Tuesday, Aug. 30.

• The Ledyard Emergency Response Team will meet Saturday at 9:30 a.m. to review preparations for the storm. Two major areas of concern are downed trees and tree branches, causing power outages, and flooding, including basement flooding that would result from up to 10 inches of rain and no power to run sump pumps.

• Don't forget to charge cell phones, laptops, anything else that will hold a charge. Like chargeable flashlights.

• On Friday afternoon the mayor’s office announced that Ledyard residents who need to leave their homes may go to an emergency shelter that will open at noon on Saturday at Fitch Senior High School in Groton. Some things to know if you need to go to this shelter:

1. Bring medications, blankets, a change or clothing and any personal items needed to make your stay comfortable.
2. The shelter will accommodate household pets. Bring food and other items to make your pet comfortable.
3. The best option is to always find a place to go – neighbors, family, or friends - but if you need it, the shelter is available.
4. It is anticipated that once the hurricane reaches a certain intensity public safety personnel may not be able to respond to calls for assistance.

In other words, don’t try to wait it out until it’s too late.

• For assistance in the Town of Ledyard, please call LECC (Dispatch). For emergencies, residents should dial 9-1-1.  For non-emergencies, dial 860-464-1138 and the duty dispatcher will forward the call to the appropriate department for action.

• StarrWood Village Market in Ledyard Center received a fresh shipment of ‘D’ batteries on Friday, and they also had mountains of bottled water. But they ran out of gas, and they were almost out of bread, which the store manager said has been a real hot item. “You can just make sandwiches,” he said. “You don’t need to cook anything.”

• The Ledyard Fire Department received two new four-wheel all-terrain vehicles today. The new equipment was purchased out of the company’s fund-raising account. Chief Steve Daggett said they pushed for delivery to be made ahead of the hurricane. The ATFs can be used to access areas that may otherwise be cut off by fallen trees. They carry chain saws, medical equipment, and one of the vehicles can be used to transport patients.

• Daggett said the town's fire companies have been working overtime throughout the week to ensure equipment readiness. "We're taking this threat very seriously," he said.

• The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation's annual Powwow, scheduled to begin today and continue through the weekend, has been rescheduled to the weekend of Sept. 16-18. Elsewhere in Mashantucket, the casino will remain open as usual.

• Gales Ferry Marina has been busy today with boat owners hauling their boats. Watch for our report Saturday.

• Patch reported that steady rain from Hurricane Irene should move into our area Saturday afternoon, with tropical-force winds hitting the area Sunday between 9 a.m. and noon.

There are sure to be a number of cancellations and other news items that have not reached us yet. PLEASE add your news and information to Comments.