OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — On Friday, the Middlesex County shoreline community of Old Saybrook warned residents that they are preparing for a potential natural disaster and storm of an intensity they've never experienced before.
In Old Saybrook, storms are a concern for several reasons. Obviously, they are a shoreline community but 50% of their residents are also on well water, so power outages mean no drinking water and flooding could mean contamination.
"I’m expecting the worst and hoping for the best," said Pete Wheeler. He's the Captain of the 'Sea Sprite' - a chartered fishing vessel. He was on one of his last charted trips out of Saybrook Point. After 43 years he’s learned a thing or two. He says Henri will shut him down.
"I've seen a lot of boats get damaged," said Capt. Pete. One place that knows about damage is Old Saybrook mini golf. "I’m hoping it’s not too bad. We definitely don’t want to rebuild again," said employee Allie Romano.
The course was leveled following Superstorm Sandy and then rebuilt using FEMA funding.
"It was completely destroyed," said Romano. Over on Main Street, registers were ringing inside Old Saybrook Hardware. This day alone - six generators were sold.
The store has committed to being open even if the power goes out. Asst. Manager Emma Loso said, "We get our next order in Monday so I just ordered more generators, more batteries."
People told FOX61 it’s all about being prepared.
"Making sure the generator operates properly. Make sure we have plenty of gas. I also have purchased some butane cylinders for the outdoor stove so I've got that all covered and hopefully this storm will pass by,' said Peter Anderson of Old Saybrook.
But with Henri’s cone of uncertainty becoming more certain by the minute, Police Chief and Emergency Management Director Michael Spera isn’t operating on hope. Inside their emergency trailer, Chief Michael Spera showed FOX61 the stockpile of toiletries, towels, tarps, chargers they have accumulated. They’ll decide soon whether to open an emergency shelter here at the high school or issue voluntary evacuation orders.
"My biggest concern is the public listening. We’re coming off a year and a half of nonstop Public Health and public safety messaging. Sometimes that gets tiring," said Spera.
Here in Old Saybrook, they have designated evacuation routes and a siren system. Spera said they’ll give people at least six hours advance notice for any evacuation. Noting that people who choose to remain behind might also be cut off from first responder help if floodwaters get too high.
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