OLD LYME — In light of Henri’s anticipated arrival as a hurricane on the southeastern Connecticut shore on Sunday, Old Lyme Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal has sent out a request for residents, “Who could make themselves available to volunteer, if needed, to support the Town during the storm and during the recovery from Henri.”
She says in an email shared with LymeLine, “I suspect that we will need a group of volunteers to be flexible as this storm progresses.”
Nosal explains that teams of volunteers are usually needed to:
- Support the Respite Center at the Senior Center, if it opens. Specifically, to welcome people, serve food and beverages, and just be a comfort. The Respite Center will be staffed with Red Cross-trained individuals for food preparation.
- Deliver water to residents if needed during the recovery.
- Hand-out ice at the Middle School if needed during recovery.
- Call people to check on them or return calls.
Nosal asks that anyone willing to volunteer should contact her by email at [email protected] indicating preference of support or just availability to help where needed. She requests that you provide your name, all contact information (cell phone, home phone, email and address), and any special training you may have to assist.
The Town’s Emergency Management Operations will be on full stand-by for this storm, but it is essential all residents ensure that they and their family members are well-prepared for around four days without power.
The State will open up the Regional Center for evacuees and their pets, at the East Lyme Middle School, if needed. The facility will also provide a location for COVID-positive people.