East Haven residents board up and head out

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Boarded Windows, blocked streets, Cosey Beach Avenue wasn't cozy Sunday night. It's desolate. Everyone is seeking higher ground.

"My wife and I are too old for this," Ken Davis said. "It's crazy. We haven't recovered from Irene or the Nor'easter."

Down the street a home sits on blocks, beams, and luck. Anthony Bianco says it survived the 1938 hurricane, and then "Diana, Bell, Gloria, Irene..."

And now Sandy.

"With the water no one knows," Bianco said. "I mean, when have we seen elevation at that height? There's been a lot of storms, but this is a whole 'nother level."

Knowing the mandatory evacuations are in place, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro toured the area.

She says knowing Irene's damage, many took the warnings seriously.

"People are tenacious. They're boarding up. They've left. Most everyone is out of here."

Hundreds are anticipated at the East Haven High School shelter. Steve Buckmiller was the first to come with his family, complete with dog and cat.

"It is nerve wracking because this is going to be our second time having to be here during a hurricane," Buckmiller said, "but I think our house will be fine."