NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — All along the shoreline towns and cities are starting to prepare for a possible hit from Hurricane Hermine.
“At this point we’re watching it. We met with all of our departments to make sure everybody is up to speed. We could have a lot of rain if it goes in one direction, if it goes west. If it goes to the east it could miss us,” said West Haven Mayor Ed O’Brien.
O’Brien says last year the city purchased five new police SUV’s and another five came in this year. He says past storms have served as a wake up call for better weather ready equipment.
“The police will be able to get around should there be any kind of severe weather. We beefed up a lot of our public works equipment so we’re ready to get on that,” said O’Brien.
In East Haven Fire Chief Douglas Jackson says if a storm strikes residents should check the city’s website for updates on conditions. They will be posting problem areas as the calls come in. Jackson says with all of the storms they’ve been through in the past several years this is probably the last year for their high water rescue vehicle.
“It’s been through a lot and she’s kind of old. So, we’re looking for a replacement at this point,” said Chief Jackson.
In New Haven the Emergency Operations Center is always ready for a worst case scenario. Multiple camera are in place to keep an eye on conditions in the sound.With those officials can keep an eye on tides and storm surges when necessary.
Deputy Director of Emergency Management Rick Fontana says people should be ready themselves.
“Make a plan, an emergency communication plan and build a kit. Something that if something were to happen I’ve got something, emergency supplies that can take care of my family in the imminent need,” said Fontana.
Meanwhile, Milford is one of the shoreline communities hit hardest by Superstorm Sandy and Tropical Storm Irene. Margaret Cozzolino has lived by the beach for 40 years. Though this time of year can be stressful because of the threat of hurricanes, she knows what to do. She has a plan if Hermine does hit.
“I have a son that lives not too far from here,” she said. “If I had to evacuate I’d go to his house. We’ve been through them though before so we kind of know what to expect.”
She’s not alone. Many of her neighbors have been through other storms as well. They know how to prepare for the high winds and flooding; many don’t start until they have a good idea of what to expect.
“We have a guinea pig and a dog so [we’ll] make sure they’re okay too. Really just keeping the most important things safe is what’s important,” said Theo Openshaw, who also lives near the water.
There’s still damage along the shoreline from both Irene and Sandy. Many people renovated their houses to protect them from future storms.
“We sustained significant damage from Irene, repeated again for Sandy, and then as a result of Sandy we lifted the house,” said Bill Newbauer.
Many neighbors feel safer because they’ve taken these precautions. However, some still get nervous since they don’t know what Mother Nature might bring.
“It’s just scary I guess,” said Openshaw. “I mean I love living by the beach but these kinds of things scare me because it’s a little dangerous.”
For now neighbors are waiting to see what path Hermine takes. They’re hoping that unlike Irene and Sandy, this storm doesn’t come anywhere near Connecticut.
“I’ve been hoping that we’ve been hit enough. Usually it goes in cycles. So whatever comes I think we’ll be prepared for it,” said Cozzolino.
