Towns Sign Emergency Declaration as Hurricane Sandy Approaches

Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw and Durham First Selectman Laura Francis both declared a local state of emergency Monday following a briefing on Hurricane Sandy at the Emergency Operations Center in Durham.

The move gives town officials the ability to take various actions during the storm as well as recoup expenses brought on by the response to the storm.

As of 11:30 a.m., 19 power outages had already been reported by CL&P in Durham although the cause of the outages was unclear.

The Town of Durham has created a Hurricane Sandy page on the town's website where residents can find all important information.

During the briefing emergency officials listened to a conference call during which Gov. Dannel P. Malloy ordered road closures for all state highways starting at 11 a.m. for trucks and 1 p.m. for all other vehicles with the exception of emergency vehicles.

State police are urging residents to stay off local roads during the storm which is expected to strengthen as the day goes on.

Widespread power outages and damage from fallen trees are expected due to high wind and rainfall, officials said. Residents are expected to shelter in place in order to give emergency crews adequate time to make roadways safe for passage.

Both towns have set up 24-hour storm lines which residents can call; Durham 860-343-6735 and Middlefield 860-349-3294. For life-threatening emergencies residents should always call 911.

Residents looking to report power outages caused by down trees should call Connecticut Light and Power's hotline at 800-286-2000. An emergency center at Coginchaug High School will be opened as necessary.

The Middlefield Community Center will remain open during regular business hours as a warming center for residents as well.