OLD LYME — On Saturday, Aug. 21, the Old Lyme (OL) Board of Selectmen (BOS) issued a local Declaration of Emergency — but first and foremost, their message is that if you have an emergency, always call 911.
The following represents the latest information from the OL BOS:
Beaches are Closed
For the safety and security of residents, the Old Lyme Town Beaches and Parking Areas (Sound View and White Sands) closed Saturday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m.
Evacuation
The Town of Old Lyme has issued a Voluntary Evacuation Order.
Residents situated along the beach communities and those who live in low-lying areas that are susceptible to flooding are encouraged to evacuate the area prior to Hurricane Henri’s arrival Sunday. Storm predictions identify high winds along with a tidal surge of from 4 to 6 ft. that will affect these areas.
People in these areas are encouraged to seek shelter with family or friends, who are inland or are at higher elevations. Those in need of temporary shelter may also go to the East Lyme Middle School.
A Red Cross-operated shelter will open at 6 p.m. Saturday at the East Lyme Middle School located at 31 Society Rd., Niantic.
If you are planning to evacuate your home or cottage, take the following precautions:
- Turn off the main breaker in your electrical service panel and turn off and secure any LP Gas propane cylinders at your home.
- Secure your residence by closing and locking all windows and doors to your home.
- Take the time to document the condition of your property before the storm hits. This can help with any insurance claim you might have.
- Call the Old Lyme Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Call Center line at 860-598-0120 for additional information.
Sandbags
For residents living in low-lying flood-prone areas, sandbags are available at the Old Lyme Public Works garage situated on Machnik Drive. Sand and a quantity of bags are available outside the fence. Bring a shovel as some assembly is required.
Did You Lose Power?
Make sure Eversource knows about your outage. Text “OUT” to 23129 or call 1-800-286-2000.
Storm Updates from Old Lyme
To receive text updates from the Town of Old Lyme, text OLSTORM to 888777.
Connecticut Emergency Alerts
For urgent updates from the State of Connecticut, click here.
Emergency Operations Center
To reach the Emergency Operations Center call line, call or text (860) 598-0120.
Potable Water & Charging Stations
The Town of Old Lyme will establish a Respite Center at Lyme’s Senior Center (26 Townwoods Road). Services available will include charging stations for electronic devices, potable water to fill your own containers, and ice will be available. The hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Water (bring your own container) and charging stations will also be available at the Fire Houses, the Police Department, and the Sound View Community Center.
Trash & Recycling Pick Up
The Town has been informed by CWPM that they will do garbage pick-up, even if the town is hit by Hurricane Henri. The only reason they would cancel is if there are lines down and the roads are not passable. This information will be updated as it changes.
Food Safety
During this storm event, remember to be aware of potential food spoilage from loss of power. The Red Cross’s recommendations for protecting your food against spoilage during power outage events can be found here.
Generator Safety
To help reduce the potential for injury or death, follow generator safety usage guidelines.
Never use a portable generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed or tent. This can result in CO poisoning or death. During Storm Isaias, the Old Lyme Fire Department and Old Lyme EMS responded to over 20 emergency calls involving generators and carbon monoxide poisoning. Visit the Eversource website for safe generator practices.
Important Reminders from the Old Lyme Fire Department
- NEVER drive through a flooded roadway, or even a flooded driveway. Some say that if you can’t see the bottom don’t risk it — we just say don’t risk it at all!
- NEVER approach downed wires, ever. NEVER drive over downed wires … ever. If there is immediate concern for hazards, call an emergency number. Do not call 911 to report outages. It’s safe to say you should avoid downed trees as well, you may not know what it took down with it.
- ALWAYS know how to use your generator or chainsaw before you touch it. Emergencies are not the best time to learn a new skill!