What You Need to Know About North Branford's Emergency Plans for Hurricane Irene

The Town of North Branford government and emergency personnel have been busy preparing for the potential effects of Hurricane Irene. According to James Boyle's , Connecticut is now under a hurricane watch, which means Irene could hit in the next 48 hours.

According to the town's website: "The Town is in the 'monitoring' stage for Hurricane Irene. An Everbridge phone call will be made with more details. Please be prepared for the worst but hope for the least!" 

To sign up for the Everbridge Safer North Branford Emergency Notification System, click here. For the text to be included in this afternoon's message, see the PDF.

A press release (see full release in the PDF) stated: "...residents and business owners in low-lying areas, which are prone to flooding in heavy rain events, are advised to take precautions immediately to minimize potential damage to personal property. Certain areas may also require mandatory evacuation and orders will be issued as necessary and with enough advanced notice as possible."

If an evacuation is necessary,  will serve as a shelter and open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. Pets are not allowed at this facility. Pets can be accommodated at Branford's , which will open at the same time.

Should residents need to use the shelter, the town advises you to bring: "any and all medications needed, personal care items, bedding materials and important paperwork such as insurance, medical or other contact information."

In addition, the town has "scheduled increased staffing for its police department, fire department and Department of Public Works. Additional town and Board of Education staff are also on stand-by to respond to emergency situations as needed," according to the press release.

The town's Emergency Operation Center is set to open at 2 p.m. tomorrow. The following phone numbers can be used for questions and other matters related to the storm including requests for water, tree removal in the public right-of-way, drainage concerns, etc.: 203-484-9549, 203-484-2196, 203-484-2583 or 203-484-9538. 

Here are some , including what your emergency kit should contain.  

Emergency Operation Center Contact Information

• 203-484-9549
• 203-484-2196
• 203-484-2583
• 203-484-9538

Evacuation Shelters (opens at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27)

• North Branford Intermediate School (no pets), 654 Foxon Rd., North Branford
• Mary T. Murphy School (with pets), 14 Brushy Plain Rd., Branford