New Canaan declares state of emergency

First Selectman Robert Mallozzi declared a state of emergency in New Canaan at noon Sunday.

The schools are closed Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, Mallozzi said non-essential town employees do not need to report to work on Monday.

Michael Handler, emergency management director, said the New Canaan Emergency Operations Center is fully staffed to coordinate the town's response to Hurricane Sandy.

He said the operations center anticipates poor road conditions and high winds beginning at midnight Sunday. It is highly likely that a travel ban will be issued in the next 24 hours.

A voluntary evacuation is suggested for all low-lying areas around the Silvermine and Rippowam rivers, he said. He cautions that if residents have experienced flooding from historical storms in the past, it is likely they will have flood damage this week.

He said that if current predictions hold, the storm system is expected to last through Wednesday, and as such, all residents should prepare to be without power for 10 to 14 days.

The OEM is temporarily out of sand bags, but will update when more become available. Drinking water and non-potable water are available at the New Canaan Fire Department, 60 Main St.

All important links and information on town services can be found at www.newcanaan.info.

If residents lose power, they are to call Connecticut Light & Power at 800-286-2000.

The New Canaan call center is staffed and can be reached at 203-594-4100.

He will be providing additional updates twice a day as information becomes available.