Naugatuck Mayor Declares State of Emergency

Naugatuck Mayor Bob Mezzo sent out the following message via the CodeRed emergency notification system on Sunday afternoon: (Click here to sign up for CodeRed alerts from the borough.) 

“Current forecasts indicate that Naugatuck will begin to feel the brunt of Hurricane Sandy by early Monday morning.  The storm is expected to intensify Monday afternoon and continue with significant strength until Tuesday night.  Residents are urged to remain inside during the height of the storm, and avoid travel if at all possible.   We expect to receive hurricane force winds and heavy rain over a 1 or 2 day period starting on Monday.

In consultation with our emergency management team, I have declared a State of Emergency in the Borough of Naugatuck effective of 12:00 Noon today.  Naugatuck’s Emergency Operations Center (“EOC”) will open for monitoring at 12:00 AM midnight, at the Naugatuck Fire Department.  Operations will shift to active status at the Naugatuck Police Station beginning at 6:00 AM, on Monday (10/29/2012) morning.

Be prepared for stream, street, and basement flooding.  Extended power outages are possible, and very likely.  Please stay away from any downed trees, poles or power lines.

During the height of the storm, police, fire, and emergency medical crews may only be able to respond to life threatening emergencies.  Please call 911 for emergencies.

Naugatuck Schools will be closed on Monday, October 29, 2012; and Tuesday, October 30, 2012.  Further decisions on school closings and/or delays will be made after assessing the impact of the storm.

Any decisions regarding the opening of emergency shelters will be made after assessing which schools have power and can accommodate overnight stays.  We will make a daily Code Red phone call before 11:00 AM to inform residents of new developments and updates.  In the event of a massive loss of power, emergency management personnel will post memorandums with pertinent information at all of Naugatuck’s schools for public viewing.

There will be no trash or recycling collection on Monday, October 29, 2012.  Further decisions on future collection will be made on a daily basis after assessing the impact of Storm Sandy.  Halloween Village at the Public Works Department will be closed tonight and Monday.  Any advisories about trick or treating on Wednesday will be made after assessing the impact of the storm.

Thank you and be safe.”

Please be advised that the Borough declares a state of emergency for multiple reasons.  While there are no dangerous conditions at the current time (approximately 2:50 PM, on Sunday, October 28, 2012), forecasts indicate severe weather is approaching.  The declaration of a state of emergency allows the Borough to procure materials and services, if needed, outside the bidding process; allows the Borough to obtain state and/or federal resources; and positions Naugatuck for federal and/or state reimbursement if applicable.