Governor Lamont Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Storm Henri; 200 National Guard Activated
Office of Governor Ned LamontGovernor Ned Lamont today announced that as Tropical Storm Henri is projected to move toward Connecticut in the coming days and strengthen to a hurricane before making landfall, he will be requesting a presidential pre-landfall emergency declaration to provide the state with federal assistance in anticipation of the impacts of the storm. Additionally, the governor will be issuing a declaration of civil preparedness emergency to enable the state to take any actions necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of Connecticut.
The governor has directed the Connecticut State Emergency Operations Center to become partially activated on Saturday, August 21, and fully activated by the morning of Sunday, August 22. It will be staffed by representatives of the relevant state agencies, in addition to utility company representatives, in order to monitor and manage any issues that may arise as a result of the storm.
At the order of Governor Lamont, Major General Francis Evon, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard, is calling 200 Guardsmen and women to state active duty beginning on Saturday morning to prepare teams and specialized equipment in support of the state’s response. Expected missions include high-wheeled vehicle search and rescue, route clearance, power generation, and commodities distribution, but may shift depending on the actual impact of the storm.
Earlier today, Governor Lamont spoke via telephone with Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Paul Ford, FEMA’s acting regional administrator for New England, to discuss preparedness efforts. The federal officials pledged assistance and resources to support Connecticut’s response and anticipated recovery from the storm.
This afternoon, Governor Lamont organized a statewide conference call between state emergency management officials and municipal representatives to coordinate preparedness activities among the state and local levels.
Current forecasts project that the storm will become a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday morning, and then make landfall on Sunday evening near the area of Stonington, Connecticut, along the Rhode Island border. As of this afternoon, the National Weather Service has issued hurricane watches for New London, Middlesex, and New Haven Counties. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Fairfield County. Additional watches and warnings are anticipated.
“With the current forecasted track of Henri, we can expect heavy rainfall and high winds, with the potential for a significant amount of coastal flooding and urban flooding across Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Right now, it’s a good idea for everyone to be prepared and expect to shelter in place by Sunday afternoon through at least Monday morning. We’ll continue to monitor the storm’s progress and will provide updates as necessary.”
“We’ve learned from Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Irene that preparation at staging areas ahead of the storm making landfall is key to a quick and effective response,” Major General Evon said. “We are standing by to support the state and the lead agencies however we can and we will be prepared to bring in additional Guardsmen and resources if asked to do so.”
The following list includes some hurricane preparedness tips:
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit
One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
A whistle to signal for help
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
A manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Food and litter requirements for any pets
Medicine or any special need items, including diapers for infants
Cleaning supplies that disinfect for COVID-19 and face masks should they be needed at a shelter
Family emergency plan
Be sure you and family members are aware of local shelter locations and your evacuation zone, especially if you live along the shoreline.
Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
Plan ahead and pre-set a family group text conversation in your phones. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through, and it uses less battery life.
Subscribe to alert services through CTAlert. Go to www.ct.gov/ctalert to register.
Connecticut residents are encouraged to download the state’s CTPrepares app for mobile devices. The app, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, provides information that is useful in emergency situations and gives preparedness tips in advance of an emergency.
Full Report: Henri Likely to be a Cat. 1 Hurricane on Arrival to Connecticut; Hurricane Watch Issued for NE Connecticut Counties
Editor’s Take
Tropical Storm Henri will reach the area sometime late tomorrow, with heaviest effects forecast to arrive early Sunday morning. The National Weather Service, NYC office has described the storm as becoming more problematic, saying “Confidence is increasing in potential for major inundation across portions of Eastern LI and along Long Island Sound.” Although the brunt of the storm is set to arrive early Sunday, they have stated that the region should prepare for as early as tomorrow night. Confidence is high that the current tropical storm will be upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane by the time it makes landfall in the region, with a Hurricane Watch already issued for Northern Middlesex, Northern New Haven, and Northern New London counties.
Rainfall chances are also forecast to also begin later Saturday, with chances of rain continuing through early Monday and the heaviest bands arriving Sunday morning - with 2”-4” possibly falling.
Winds are forecast to be strongest on Sunday, but could arrive “as early as Saturday night.” There are 50-80% chances of 40MPH sustained winds (tropical storm force), 33% chances of 60MPH sustained winds, and 10%-20% chances of 74MPH sustained winds (hurricane force). The NWS described that the chances of hurricane force winds in Southeastern Connecticut are increasing, and that “even low probabilities of hurricane winds are significant for this area.”
Flooding will prove problematic with a 2-4 foot storm surge forecast for the region, especially during high tides that will take place around midnight and noon on Sunday. Sunday’s midnight high tide also coincides with a full moon, making it a 7.7’ tide.
Click here to expand full storm report.
Residents are urged to stay off of the roadways for the Sunday morning hours, keep devices charged with batteries nearby, and to assure that all outdoor furniture and decorations are properly secured.
Boat owners are urged to check that all Bimini and fabric tops are closed and secured, all deck items - pillows, PFDs, or other items - are stowed away, and that bilge pumps are working with adequately charged batteries or shorelines. With forecasts predicting 2”-4” of rain in a short amount of time, bilge pumps will be running more than usual -causing boat batteries to die, shutting down the pumps, and putting boats at risk of flooding. Checking on your vessel before and after the storm will prove important.
Local Closures and Cancellations:
Active Weather Warnings, Advisories, and Watches:
Tropical Storm Watch: Effective until further notice
Storm Surge Watch: Effective until further notice
From the National Weather Service, NYC: Tropical Storm Henri is currently due east of the South Carolina coastline and will likely track north nearing eastern Long Island and into southern New England Sunday as a Category 1 Hurricane.
The main threats from Henri are potentially life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding, tropical storm or hurricane force winds along the south shore and east end of Long Island and across southeast Connecticut. There will also be associated marine and coastal hazards, including very rough seas and dangerous rip currents. Severe beach erosion is possible for coastal areas of Long Island Sound and portions of Suffolk County, including the Twin Forks region.
A widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is forecast in the path of Henri with localized higher amounts possible Saturday through Sunday evening. The highest amounts are forecast to be across eastern Long Island and much of southeastern Connecticut. This will present a likelihood for areas of flash flooding. Dangerous marine conditions are likely on the ocean waters south of Long Island, as well as on Long Island Sound, and the south shore and eastern bays of Long Island.
Tropical storm force winds will be most likely in those areas, near the south shores and east end of Long Island and southeast Connecticut, and in some higher elevations away from the coastline. Dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected along the ocean beaches of Long Island beginning Friday.
Numbers to Know:
Emergency: 911
Eversource: Report a power outage: text “OUT” to 23129; call 800-286-2000; online www.eversource.com/CustomerCare/ReportOutage.
Westport Police: Non-Emergency: 203-341-6000
Westport Fire Department: Non-Emergency: 203-341-5000
Westport Public Schools: Emergency Line: 203-341-1766
Westport Department of Human Services: Social Services: 203-341-1050
Westport Property Transfers: August 2 - 5; Biggest Sale at $3.6 Million
Westport property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Westport’s biggest sale: 52 Morningside Drive South, $3,602,500. Photo by Coldwell Banker/MLSTotal Conveyance Tax: $96,127.01
Total Sales: $38,450,804.00
Highest Transfer Price: 52 Morningside Drive South: $3,602,500
Lowest Transfer Price: 28 Valley Road: $570,000
Transfers:
52 Morningside Drive South: $3,602,500
7 Minuteman Hill: $3,500,000
85 Turkey Hill Road South: $2,568,000
8 Waterside Terrace: $2,125,000
15 Fillow Street: $2,029,000
6 Harding Lane: $1,950,000
8 Moss Ledge Road: $1,944,000
2 Plunkett Place: $1,775,000
44 Long Lots Road: $1,763,600
15 Woodside Lane: $1,625,000
5 Clifford Lane: $1,600,000
23 Vineyard Lane: $1,575,000
9 Black Birch Road: $1,551,000
5 Lost Ledge Road: $1,380,000
4 Cobble Hill Road: $1,368,000
183 Roseville Road: $1,200,000
89 Cross Highway: $1,150,000
10 James Lane: $1,125,000
66 Harbor Road: $1,100,000
26 Maple Avenue South: $795,000
4 Robin Hill Road: $780,000
230 Saugatuck Avenue, Unit 20: $694,200
49 Old Road: $680,000
28 Valley Road: $570,000
Superintendent: Mandated Vaccines for Public School Staff, Regular Lunch Program Returns, “Much, much more to come”
Westport Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice released an update today describing some changes or continuations for the upcoming school year. Some of the most important updates include a new State mandate for all public school personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or maintain weekly testing - with vaccinated teachers able to remove their mask while teaching from the front of a classroom. The update also said students will be masked at least through the end of September, but that they will not have to wear masks outdoors. Scarice ended the comprehensive update by reminding families that “ you can anticipate additional updates in the coming days. These are some of the more salient district wide updates. Building principals will send further school-specific messages as we approach the first day of school. “
Click here to read the Superintendent’s full update.
Dear Westport Families,
I truly hope that this summer provided you and your family with much needed rest and relaxation. As the first day approaches on August 31 I want to inform families that there will be multiple updates to keep you apprised of our reopening plans. You can expect regular updates from my office, or from your child's building principal, in the coming days. Additionally, the reopening resource on our newly designed website (more on that next week!!) will be fully updated as the most recent guidance from the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to unfold.
Although the outlook with regards to the pandemic is not as positive as it was in June, we will continue to work towards providing as much normalcy as possible for your child as they return to school. Like last year, we will approach matters in 4-6 week increments, while thoughtfully considering layers of mitigating measures.
We have learned a lot since we opened schools last year. While we have hoped that we would begin the year back to pre-pandemic practices, it is clear that we are not quite there yet. With high vaccination rates in our community, and a prudent approach, we can successfully begin the school year, and in consultation with our medical advisor, and our local and state health departments, we can roll back mitigating measures as the conditions permit.
The following are the most current practices in place for the first day of school:
Universal Masks/Face Coverings:
Masks will be required for all students and staff while in the school building and on the school bus. This continues to be an executive order, (Executive Order A13, Protection of Public Health and Safety During COVID-19), until 9-30-21 and is consistent with recommendations from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Mask breaks will continue to be provided optimally when outside or students are spaced greater than 6 ft.
No masks will be required outside for recess or other outside activities.
Fully vaccinated teachers will have the opportunity to remove their masks during active instruction at the front of the classroom per DPH guidance.
Vaccines:
Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 13D on August 19, 2021. In short, all Pre-K-12 staff are required to have the Covid-19 vaccine. Any employees eligible for medical or religious waivers will be subject to routine testing.
Social Distancing:
Social distancing of 3 ft. will be implemented to the extent possible in the classrooms and other settings.
Lunch:
Return to pre-pandemic provision of school lunch services.
Additional seating will be made available at all levels (i.e. elementary, middle, high) during lunch in order to allow for extra spacing, including outside seating for students during lunch waves.
Visitors:
Visitors in the buildings will be limited to educational or school business needs. School visits need to be approved by the building administration.
Given the Governor's mandatory vaccination announcement Thursday, it is possible that visitors will be required to be vaccinated.
After School Activities:
After school activities will continue but will follow the spacing and masking guidelines.
Building Cleaning:
Routine and standard cleaning protocols will be in place. Surface transmission has been found to be minimal.
Hand Washing:
Hand washing will continue to be encouraged throughout the day and the extra sanitizer will be available throughout the buildings.
Quarantine Practices:
Quarantine practices will continue based on the guideline of being within 6 ft. for 15 minutes over a 24 hour period to a person who is positive for COVID-19.
Due to limited transmission in classrooms last year, the CDC has made an important exception for students in the classroom setting only. Students in the classroom where everyone is wearing a mask will only be quarantined if they were within 3 ft. of another student positive for COVID-19.
Vaccinated students and staff will not need to quarantine but will be asked to obtain a test within 3-5 days
Quarantine length will be continued as it was at the end of the school year and consist of a PCR or antigen test at day 5 or later and return on day 8 if the test is negative and the person is experiencing no symptoms. If no test is obtained the student or staff member will be able to return on day 10 if they are symptom free.
Students or staff positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or the date of the positive test and may return after the 10 days if they are symptom free.
Travel:
We will continue to recommend CDC guidance for travel both interstate and international.
Ventilation:
Ventilation includes HVAC systems that optimize the most air to be taken into the building. Merv 10-13 filters are used.
Supports for Students in Quarantine or Isolation:
Students needing to quarantine or isolate as a result of COVID-19 will receive certain educational supports while in quarantine.
At the elementary level, these supports will consist of access to essential assignments through Google Classroom, twice weekly scheduled contact with the classroom teacher, and twice weekly contact with support staff to assist in work completion.
At the secondary level, this will consist of access to posted assignments and communication with teachers via email as needed and, for quarantine periods extending beyond 5 school days, scheduled time with staff to support students during and after quarantine.
For students who are medically unable to attend school for a verified medical reason, the district will continue to implement its Homebound Instruction Policy 6173. Individuals with questions about this policy or procedure should contact Mr. Rizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services.
These supports will be revisited periodically, likely every 4-6 weeks, to determine if additional interventions are warranted based on the number of students requiring these services.
District COVID-19 Dashboard:
Our on-line COVID-19 dashboard will continue to be updated daily and available on our website.
What Can Families Do?
Obtain a vaccine for all those eligible 12 years of age and older.
Continue to complete a daily home screening to monitor students each morning for any signs of illness and anyone with signs of illness should stay home from school and contact your school nurse.
Please report any COVID-19 cases to our COVID -19 hotline at 203-341-1016 or email PositiveCovidReport@westportps.org
If a student has had close contact with a person with COVID-19 they should contact their school nurse.
Again, you can anticipate additional updates in the coming days. These are some of the more salient district wide updates. Building principals will send further school-specific messages as we approach the first day of school.
Much, much more to come,
Tom Scarice