Town of Fairfield News
8/21/2021 - Hurricane Henri
Dear Fairfielders,
I met with the Emergency Management Team today at 2:00 pm to go over preparations and the Town's response to Hurricane Henri. I have since declared a state of emergency in the Town of Fairfield.
The storm is due to hit with tropical force winds tomorrow morning between 2 - 8 a.m. and will peak at 11 a.m. We are expecting wind gusts between 35-50 mph and 4-6'' of rain fall, creating flooding in many low lying areas that are prone to flooding. The Saturday evening forecast indicates heavy rain may extend well into Monday.
The coastal flooding storm surge is expected to be between 2-3 feet and high tide will be Sunday at 11:52 am.
The Emergency Operations Center will open at 7 am tomorrow to follow the storm, assess damage in town and deploy resources where necessary. We are working with our UI liaison and they are projecting widespread power outages, so please be sure to make necessary arrangements for family members with medical conditions that require electricity or refrigeration. All residents should charge up devices in preparation for outages.
There will be parking bans on the evacuation routes in the beach area beginning Sunday morning. Beach area homes are expected to become isolated with limited ability to get in or out particularly during high tides. Beach area residents are encouraged to relocate/evacuate the area on Sunday. Please note that emergency vehicles may not be able to reach you should you choose to stay in your home.
Residents in the Rooster River watershed and Kings Highway/ Chambers Street area should prepare for heavy sustained winds and items in basements and low lying areas prone to flooding should be moved to higher levels of your home.
All residents living in flood prone areas both near the coast and inland near rivers are encouraged to move their cars to the Unquowa Road Metro North Railroad parking lot opposite Tomlinson Middle School.
If you need to evacuate your home a Relocation Center/ Emergency Shelter/ Charging Station will be open at Fairfield Warde High School at 8 am Sunday Morning.
Residents can stay informed by signing up for FairfieldALERT for important phone messages; sign up for e-mail updates and follow the Town's various social media accounts here: News and Announcement notifications.
The Storm Information Hotline at 203-254-4899 will provide recorded storm emergency messages. More information is provided on our website at the following locations:
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I want to thank our Fire, Police, Health and Public Works Departments for their work to prepare our Town for the storm and help keep our residents informed and safe.
Below are some important updates:
- If you haven't yet signed up for UI text alerts, you can register with UI here.
- Please stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power lines, because you should always assume it is live.
- Please note that portable back-up generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) which is a poison gas. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Our Firemen have responded to numerous calls for CO poisoning.
- Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
- In the aftermath of a major storm, being neighborly takes on a new meaning and sense of urgency. Please take the time to check on your elderly neighbors, or neighbors who may be in need. If you haven’t seen a neighbor out and about, it only takes a minute to knock on the door for friendly check-in. As always, call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency. Social Services is available to help with meals and groceries, getting medications as needed - 203-256-3170.
- Need to charge up? Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road), and all five Fire Stations.
- There is a mobile command post located in the Old Navy Parking Lot at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike.
For true emergencies, please dial 911. To reach UI, dial 1-800-722-5584 or visit uinet.com. For storm information please visit www.fairfieldct.org/storm.
Please be careful and stay safe. |
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Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
In order to receive Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up at www.fairfieldct.org/alerts |
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