Pierrick Ablolonne and his daughter Stella filling sandbags (Kristen Riolo photos)
Those big piles of sand at the transfer station — always the harbinger of storms in Darien.
As the town once again braces for what could be a devastating storm, friends, family and neighbors gather at the Darien transfer station to fill sandbags to alleviate any possible flooding.
The worst of Sandy should hit Darien’s area early next week, likely impacting Fairfield County’s Halloween observances again this year. A freak snowstorm canceled or postponed many towns’ trick or treating in 2011. Darien was able to proceed after much clean up and with police presence insuring safety. First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said that parents have already called her to see if Darien has any plans to move trick or treating up. Instead, she told The Darien Times that if anything, the town would postpone to a later date.
Michael and Suzanne Forbes, with their dog Bear, filling sandbags
The Darien Police have sent out an advisory about safety, and Connecticut Light & Power has also advised it is preparing for the storm. At the end of last week, Stevenson said the town’s public works department made sure all its equipment was fueled and ready, and was cleaning out storm drains to make sure water drainage flowed.
The town’s harbor master was also informing the few straggling boat owners with craft on the water on moorings to remove their boats in anticipation of the storm. Though beaches are not closed, caution on beaches is advised during storm conditions given possible high waters and debris.
Gov. Dan Malloy has declared an emergency in the state and will be holding a press conference at 2 p.m. Follow along at Twitter.com/DarienTimes while we live tweet the governor’s information.
Stevenson said the town’s Emergency Operations Center personnel met Friday morning but as of Saturday early afternoon no word if the EOC had officially opened.
Metro North also has advised it is preparing for next week’s commute.
Sandbags and sand are still available at the transfer station until 2:45 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something fun to do while waiting for Sandy’s arrival, there are lots of options today, including a haunted house, a horror movie marathon, and a wine tasting. Check our Happenings page for details.
Check back on DarienTimes.com and Twitter.com/DarienTimes for frequent updates on the approaching hurricane.
