Hurricane On Their Brains As DPW Directors Gather

With the possibility of a major storm wreaking havoc in their lives over the next few days, the timing couldn't have been better for directors of public works from around the state to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges of their positions.

Officials from local Departments of Public Works met at Johnston Memorial Park for a barbecue Wednesday afternoon. Johnston's representative, Arnie Vecchione, noted the appropriate timing of their gathering, considering the possibility of Hurricane Irene hitting the area over the weekend or early next week.

"On Friday, we're going to prepare all our pumps and fill sandbags," said Vecchione. "That's all we can do right now."

Mayor Joseph Polisena, who was also in attendance, spoke about how plans are beginning to take shape.

"We're going to have meetings on Thursday and Friday," said Polisena. "We'll be ready."