With predictions calling for weather emergencies here by early next week, North Branford Interim Town Manager today released information to help residents prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy hitting here. The press release, in its entirety, follows:

Although computer models are still unsure of where Hurricane Sandy may be by next week, the Town of North Branford would like to be proactive in sending out information to our residents. Please note the items listed below in case Sandy does hit Connecticut, which is projected for next week, Monday - Wednesday:

Make sure you are self sufficient for at least a week in case of severe power, phone and cell outages.

Make sure your neighbors and family members are safe and have enough food, water and supplies to last a week and check on them every day.

The Emergency Operations Center will be located at the Police Station. Phone numbers there are: (203) 484-9549, 484-2196, 484-2583 and 484-9538. Please call these numbers instead of 911 for non-emergency situations.

The Town will be sending out severe weather, road closures and updated safety information via the SAFER North Branford Emergency Notification System where we can contact thousands of residents in seconds with a push of a button. If you have not signed up for SAFER or need to update your information on the system, please go to the North Branford Town Website (www.townofnorthbranfordct.com) TODAY and fill out all of the information. You can also update your information via the CT Alert System (www.ctgov/ctalert). Having your latest contact information is the only way to ensure that we can contact you in an emergency.

If a shelter needs to be opened, it will be located at the North Branford Intermediate School and you should enter the main entrance, the door to the right of the flagpole and bring with you medication (in their original labeled vials) to last 7 days, a list of all medications, clothes, blankets and pillows, things to keep children active, toiletry items (toothbrush/toothpaste/contact lends solutions, etc.), and towels.

If and when power is restored, charging stations for cell phones and medical equipment will be available at the Town Hall, Community Center, two Libraries, and the Intermediate School.

Press Releases with emergency updates will be given out every day. These will be on the Town?s website, given out through our SAFER System and where there is power, through local businesses and the Emergency Operations Center.

If you need to report a power outage or power lines down, please call 1-800-7CALLUI (1-800-722-5584) for UI customers or go to UI?s website – www.uinet.com/outagemap. For Wallingford Electric, please call 203-265-5055.

If you need potable water, it will be available at the Intermediate School 654 Foxon Road, North Branford and North Branford Ambulance Company #4 – 1351 Middletown Avenue, Northford.

Now is the time to check the outside of your home for trees and bushes that need to be cut back or bring indoors items that could fly around in a storm causing damage.