Town Officials Urge Evacuations, 'Common Sense'

Darien officials are warning people in flood-prone neighbors to evacuate their homes immediately to avoid being stranded in floodwaters brought by Hurricane Irene.

"This hurricane is very unpredictable," First Selectman Dave Campbell said at an emergency meeting of town officials Saturday morning. "The biggest concern from this storm, just like the March storm of a year and a half ago, will be tree damage and power outages."

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to begin this afternoon and intensify overnight and last throughout Sunday. As much as ten inches of rain and sustained winds of 80 mph could pummel Darien.

Darien High School will open today at 5 p.m. as a shelter for those who evacuate their homes.

“We have ramped up for a direct hit. We are going to see flooding that we have not seen in a long time,” Marc McEwan, Darien emergency management director, said. “The governor is concerned and has stressed the importance of evacuating early. Once you decide to stay in place, you have to realize you might be inaccessible from emergency authorities.”

“We are expecting a direct hit,” McEwan said.

Darien High School can house 830 people and will remain open as the storm requires. The school has blankets, cots, and pillows.

“Bring eyeglasses, medicines, important paperwork that you would not want to lose,” McEwan said.

Police Chief Duane Lovello asked people not to call the police department unless they have an emergency.  

“Not only are we dealing with this hurricane, we are dealing with high tide and a new moon,” Lovello said. “Please make every effort to secure your residence. If you have been told to evacuate, please evacuate.”

People who have a true emergency should call 911. Darien police’s non-emergency phone number is (203) 662-5300.

Department of Public Works director Bob Steeger reported that his employees have removed debris from storm drains to allow the sewer system to accept as much water as possible.

“It would be a wise idea for people who live near catch basins to keep a close eye on catch basins,” Steeger said. “A word to the wise is act on your own. Keep those catch basins clear, and the water flowing into them.”

People who live near streams should bring inside any loose objects to prevent them from being blown into the water, Steeger said. The department has sand at the dump for residents to fill sand bags, though residents must bring their own bags.

Campbell warned that Hurricane Irene will be worse than the March 2010 tempest that knocked down trees and caused power outages that lasted for five days.

“I ask people in Darien to use common sense, stay off the roads," he said. "I ask people in flood-prone areas to not be a hero. Visit friends or come to the shelter.”

Download the movie

Download the movie