Branford’s Emergency Operation Center Up and Running

At 12 p.m. today, Branford declared a state of emergency allowing the town to enter into mutual commodities with the state, stated Captain Geoffrey Morgan from the town’s Emergency Operation Center early this afternoon. Some of the mutual commodities include cots, which will be brought to the two town shelters, and (see below and attched PDF for more shelter information). Another commodity is , which will be given to town authorities from the state for use during the storm.

The Emergency Operation Center based out to the Police Department will be fully staffed by department heads including First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos through the storm. Just before 3 p.m., DaRos broadcasted his emergency message to those signed-up for the town’s emergency information system, (see video of message). DaRos urged residents to remain calm but heed warnings of the storm.

One of the most important messages, said Morgan, is that families should understand that they should be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. “People need to understand,” he added, “that if they are going to shelter, shelter somewhere outside the effected area.”

The town has suggested that those in low-lying neighborhoods, evacuate the area by 6 p.m. tonight; a mandatory has been issued for the Thimble Islands and other Branford islands. Five people on Money Islands, according to authorities, have decided to stay. They are responsible for their safety as this point according to officials.

The new director of Emergency Management Operations, Branford Police Lt. Raymond Dunbar, who assumed the role from Morgan, said he was confident that Branford had prepared for the storm. “I feel confident that the town has prepared itself for many years for this.”

Also stationed at Emergency Operation Center was Art Baker who was observing the whereabouts of his trucks via GPS tracking system. As he braced for the storm, he said his biggest decision was going to be dispatching his guys as the tropical storm-force winds where expected to reach town by 10 p.m. tonight.

Shelter Information
Director of Shelters, Alex Palluzzi

Shelters are now open and will be through the storm. The primary shelters are Mary T. Murphy School and Branford High School. Both shelter locations will have power from a generator should the electricity go out. Murphy accepts pets. Residents should know that the post-storm shelter will be held at the Branford Community House if the building is safe from flooding.

14 Brushy Plain Rd.

Pets are allowed at Murphy but owners must bring cages for animals, proof or rabies vaccinations, pet medicines and food.

185 East Main St., Branford

No pets allowed at this location.