Town Prepares Storm Plan; High School Declared Shelter

Johnston High School has been declared a storm shelter should evacuations be ordered as the town prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Irene.

Mayor Joseph Polisena has been coordinating with state and local officials to craft a response plan for the storm expected to begin impacting Rhode Island's weather late Sunday morning, peaking in the late afternoon and early evening hours. Forecasts call for a category 1 hurricane with winds possibly gusting over 100 mph. Heavy rain is expected with upwards of 5-10 inches falling across the state.

Polisena said town officials are monitoring river levels to determine whether evacuation orders need to be issued. He urged residents to take precations and prepare for a significant storm.

"The main thing is to stay safe," Polisena said. "Our concern is that residents stay safe and check on neighbors to make sure they are OK."

To town issued a local resident primer for the hurricane with the following advice and information:

• Non-medical emergency calls (downed wires, etc.) should be placed to Johnston Police Department at 231-4210.
• Non-emergency calls (fallen trees, debris) should be placed to the Johnston Department of Public Works at 231-4189 or 231-4207.
• Starting Monday, garbage pick-up will be delayed one day.
• Johnston Police will transport any medically licensed town resident who is in need of transportation to report to work at any Rhode Island hospital. Call 231-4210 to arrange for transportation.
• A travel advisory is issued for Sunday. Stay at home and be safe.
• Be prepared for the possibility of extended power outages.

Continue checking with JohnstonPatch for continuing coverage throughout the storm.