As Dorian’s wrath was felt on the shores of Virgina Beach Friday, Connecticut prepared for potential effects.
Ten foot seas forced the Block Island Express to cancel service from New London Saturday. Several ferries from New London to Orient Point are canceled as well.
However, as Dorian’s path now sweeps north, over 100 miles east of the Connecticut’s coast line, Old Saybrook’s police chief describes it as a near miss, but a great reminder of what could still be ahead.
“What we’re watching happening around the country right now is something that should give us great pause,” said Chief Michael Spera. “We should make sure we have a plan in case we have an emergency here in Connecticut.”
The hurricane season still has two and a half months remaining and authorities urge people to be prepared.
“The plan is make sure you can survive on your own for a couple of days,” added Spera. “Make sure you have some canned food goods. Make sure you have your medication. All your important papers in one spot.”
In other words, have a “go-kit.” Richenda Hauch has lived in Old Saybrook her entire life and says she keeps one in her car.
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“It has a blanket. it has batteries. It has a flashlight. It has water,” said Hauch.
Another concern is power loss, which in Old Saybrook could lead to other problems.
“One of the things that happens when we have no power. Fifty percent of our residents have no water because they’re solely supplied by well water,” explained Spera.
That’s not just Old Saybrook. Kathy Bloomquist lives in Guilford, and knows what it’s like to have well water and lose power.
“Last time we had a hurricane we used our pool water for flushing the toilet,” said Bloomquist.
One entity that was completely prepared was the US NAVY which is using Connecticut as a safe harbor for three ships. The USS Sioux City, USS Milwaukee and USS Billings, which were previously ported in Florida, have been relocated to the Naval Submarine base in Groton to escape Dorian.
