Shelters open to help people warm up

NIANTIC, Conn. (WTNH)-- Governor Dannell Malloy got a look at the roadways and a regional shelter in East Lyme, where dozens of people are expected to try to keep warm after losing power along the shoreline.

"We have about forty people coming over from New London. We think we'll have about eighty people stay here in total tonight," said Malloy.

Jacquelyn Goodwin says these hand warmers helped her get through the night when she lost power at about 9 PM. But this morning, she had to come in to the shelter because she could not get warm.

When asked if she was pretty cold in her house this morning, Goodwin, of Niantic said, "oh yes, freezing all night."

Goodwin was glad to be able to come to the warming center to warm up a little bit.

"It's been fine and people are always friendly when you come down to something like this," said Goodwin.

This shelter opened up this morning at 7 AM, but last night they also had an emergency shelter open up over at the community center when the power first went out.

However, they were encouraging people who could stay home to stay home because the roads were impassible, and they didn't want anyone last night heading out to that shelter and getting stuck outside.

Goodwin came prepared today. Her own blankets, lawn chair, and a great attitude for what's to come.

"Cots. It's better than not having heat cause it's cold," said Godwin.
    
The Red Cross is running the regional shelter at East Lyme Middle School, while the local animal control officers will also be taking in family pets so they don't have to be left behind.