Message from First Selectman Mary Bylone Regarding Hurricane Henri

Since Thursday evening, I, along with other town and department leaders, have been in communication with state and federal partners as we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Henri. This storm may have a major, multi-day, impact on Colchester. High winds, fallen trees and power outages are probable. Eversource is currently estimating that up to 69% of customers statewide could be affected by power outages as long as three weeks in length. As a result, a state of emergency became effective in Colchester at 4 pm today.

Several major steps to ensure the safety of Colchester citizens have been taken:

- The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will open tomorrow morning. I will be there with emergency crews to fully coordinate our response to the storm.

- Utility trucks have been dispatched to take precautionary measures.

- An emergency plan has been activated between all town departments and emergency crews.

- I will attend an 8am meeting with all town emergency service crews before they head out onto the roads.

- Direct phone calls were made to at-risk Seniors and robo calls went to all Seniors to ensure that they are properly prepared and have what they need.

- The town provided emergency shelf-safe meals to Seniors as necessary.

- Emergency shelter arrangements will be communicated as the situation progresses.

Please note that during the height of the storm, the ability of first responders to provide services becomes difficult and may be significantly delayed. Residents should still call 911 for all medical emergencies, but should roads become impassable, the safety of all persons will be necessarily prioritized. Please call 911 only in the in case of a true emergency. Please remain safe and do not purposely place yourselves in danger for a "sight seeing" or "storm chasing" adventure.

Tips and reminders:

-Check your supplies, including non-perishable food, a can opener, flashlights, batteries, candles, first aid kits, and water.

- Stock medicines or any special-need items.

-Charge your devices and fuel up vehicles.

-Test your generator if you have one, and remember, never run a generator indoors.

-Secure loose items on your deck and property.

As the storm progresses, please check in on elderly and homebound friends and neighbors. We will get through this together.

Be safe and be well. I will keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Mary Bylone

First Selectman