Ledyard Prepared With Shelter, Sandbags, Emergency Staff

The state has opened a regional shelter for Ledyard and Groton. Ledyard residents who do not feel safe at home can take shelter at Fitch High School at 101 Groton Long Point Road in Groton. “It is there if there are people, especially in mobile homes, who are not comfortable staying home,” Mayor Fred B Allyn Jr. said. The shelter allows pets.

Allyn met this morning with Ledyard’s Emergency Response Team. The 9:30 a.m. meeting discussed the town’s preparations for Hurricane Irene.

Sand bags are available for those who prefer to stay. Empty bags, a shovel, and a large pile of sand can be found at the public works garage.

If help is needed during the hurricane, residents should call dispatch at 860-464-1138. The fire stations will be staffed throughout the night. Extra police patrols will also be stationed in the fire houses. An ambulance has also been moved to the Gales Ferry Fire Company. Callers should be aware that the most serious issues will receive the swiftest response. “The fire companies have to prioritize their responses,” Allyn said.

Any trees or branches that may fall on wires should be left alone. Even if the surrounding houses seem to have lost power, the wires may still be dangerous.