Hurricane Sandy Updates: Shelter Opens Tonight, School Closed Tomorrow

[updated: Sunday 5:55 p.m.]

In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, The Middletown Emergency Management team met this afternoon and provided the following updates:

• Gaudet Midde School, located at 1113 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, will open Sunday night at 5 p.m. as a regional shelter for Aquidneck Island residents. No pets allowed (only service animals)
• A mandatory evaucation is set for the lower part of Aquidneck Avenue at 10 a.m. tomorrow. 
• There will be no school for Middletown Public Schools on Monday
• Other school closing reported: the MET East Bay, St. George's, URI, All Saints Academy
• No PAYT trash pickup on Monday or Tuesday
• Beach parking closes at 4 p.m. today.  More updates to follow on parking bans and beach closures.
• Middletown schools, town hall offices, library and senior center will be closed on Monday 

In addition, Middletown Fire Chief Ronald Doire continues to urge residents to prepare for the storm:

The effects from Hurricane Sandy are expected to hit Rhode Island beginning tonight Sunday October 28th.  The storm will not pass quickly – the effects of the storm may be felt through mid-week – please plan accordingly. This storm is expected to bring dangerous winds, heavy rains and extremely high seas to our area.  Power outages are likely.

Please make preparations to protect your home before the storm makes landfall. All outdoor objects, including trash cans, patio furniture and temporary signs, should be brought indoors or tied down.  Homeowners should clear their property of all debris that could damage buildings in strong winds.  Cars should be stored in the garage during the storm.

To prepare for long term power outages it is recommended to have three-days of emergency supplies that include bottled water, nonperishable foods, flash lights and a battery powered radio. It is also important to keep ice on hand in case the power fails. Resident with wells should anticipate a loss of their water supply if their power fails.  Don’t forget to make provisions for your pets and animals too.

Now is the time for some Middletown residents to also prepare for evacuation if needed. Residents living in vulnerable storm-surge zones, and mobile home parks should plan now for their evacuation if needed.

An American Red Cross Emergency Shelter will be opening today at 5 PM, Sunday October 28th at the Gaudet Middle School on Turner Road. This will be the regional shelter for Aquidneck Island during Hurricane Sandy.

Please connect with your neighbors so you can seek or give support when it may be needed - talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an emergency.