(WTNH)– Preparations are underway in across Connecticut for the new-downgraded Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to arrive on Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker spoke about the number of things the city is doing to get ready for the storm. Other areas, such as Meriden, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, and more, also have the potential to be hit hard by this storm.
Related: CT towns, cities prepares for arrival of Hurricane Isaias
“We’re likely to see some flooding,” Elicker explained. “Our Parks and Rec. Department and Public Works Department are ready to remove a lot of trees because we are expecting some high winds and usually coupled with that is trees falling down. We had conversations with UI and the Red Cross to prepare for that as well. And we are preparing some emergency shelters should we need to open them.”
Opening shelters would require the city to put more precautions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Elicker explained, “At this point, we don’t think we’re going to have to open them but if we do we will be prepared to do so. There’s going to be a couple school sites. And when you think about the only difference between normal times is COVID. And probably the main impact is that if we do have to open a shelter, making sure that if there’s a lot of people in one place, that we are keeping people socially distant, providing temperature checks and masks for people to wear…We’re working with the Red Cross to make sure that happens.”
WEB EXTRA: Mayor Justin Elicker speaks about New Haven’s hurricane preparation
RELATED: Severe weather expected this afternoon/evening with Isaias
The mayor added that while the coastal areas are typically where they are concerned about, that the city is not anticipating a significant storm surge where they would need to evacuate people.
However, Elicker does anticipate flooding in the typical spots that usually flood during storms like Middletown Avenue and Quinnipiac Avenue so he urges people to not drive through those flooded areas but instead pick a different route or stay home.
Rick Fontana, the city’s director of emergency operations told News 8 there are three things you can do to prepare at home: make an emergency evacuation plan, build a kit, and stay informed with weather alerts.
Assume downed wires are live. Stay away from them and do not drive over them. Stay as far away as possible of all fallen tree limbs and electrical wires, as well as anything they are touching – such as puddles and metal fences.
Report any downed wire you may see by calling us or local emergency personnel. Let’s say you’re in your car and downed wires are on your car or across the road. The best thing to do is stay in your car until emergency crews get there to handle it. It is safe to use your cell phone in the car.
If you lose power, your car is a great place to charge your phone, just make sure it’s in a well-ventilated area, and do not go to sleep while it’s running. And when it comes to generators — never ever install them inside.
