[Updated 11:45 a.m.] Message to West Hartford Residents in Advance of Hurricane Sandy's Impact

UPDATED 11:45 a.m.

Gov. Malloy is currently holding a news conference, and an update on information from that will be provided as soon as it concludes. He will be holding another news conference at 6 p.m. Sunday.

As of 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Gov. Malloy's "state of civil preparedness emergency" has gone into effect. The following information was received in an email from the Town of West Hartford: "The storm center appears to be inching closer to Connecticut and with the size and strength of the storm, it is anticipated that we will see unprecedented wind and storm surge for nearly 36 hours. The central pressure of the storm is expected to be 946 Millibars, which is a record for an Atlantic storm making landfall in the northeast."

High wind and flood watches are also already in effect for Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties.

A generator is now in place at Town Hall, and is being tested.

The town plans to install a second generator at Conard High School.

ORIGINAL STORY

A message was sent out Saturday evening to all West Hartford residents who have phone numbers and emails registered through the Everbridge Emergency Alert System.

Town officials said that preparations are being made for Hurricane Sandy which is expected to impact the area during the early morning hours Tuesday, with high winds and between three and ten inches of rain.

Residents are advised to continue preparing for the storm on Sunday.

According to the emergency message, West Hartford residents should: "Get your home emergency kit ready Put the following items in a box or container: a gallon of water per person, batteries, flash lights, glow sticks, a hand-crank radio or battery-operated radio, a can opener, a wrench, pliers, a first-aid kit, garbage bags, non-perishable food and cash. Be sure to gas up your car and charge your phones. Go to www.GetReadyCapitolRegion.org for checklists on getting ready for the storm.

Town officials also advise residents to check their basements and move all items off the floor to avoid damage in th event of flooding. Sump pumps should also be checked to make sure they are in working order.

In addition, the Department of Public Works is asking residents to remove leaf piles from the street to avoid blocking the flow of water. Leaves should be removed from the grates on top of catch basins as well. Gutters and downspouts should be cleared to prevent water backing up into your house.

The town does not plan to open an emergency shelter prior to the storm. "The safest place to be is your home. The town will make a decision to open a shelter based on the severity of the storm," stated the message.

Questions and requests for information throughout the storm should be directed the Emergency Operations Center at 860-523-2020.

In addition, the Town of West Hartford advises all residents to sign up for emergency alert messages by going to www.ctalert.gov and on the town’s website, www.westhartford.org. (Click on Community Advisory System under Quick Links.) All phone numbers and email addresses should be entered to ensure delivery of the emergency message.