To all Chebeague Island Residence and Visitors regarding Hurricane Irene:

 

Rain is expected to pick up in intensity Sunday along with predicted wind speeds of Tropical storm force. Additional storm surge of 2Õ to 3Õ above astronomical high tides could be a concern to the Island on the Sunday evening tide. Please read the Chebeague Transportations web sight regarding possibly relocating your vehicles from the Cousins Island lot to the Route 1 lot.  Also be aware that CTCÕs last scheduled boat from Chebeague will be Sunday afternoon at 4:30. Plan accordingly.

 

We encourage anyone with serious health issues to consider making arrangements to stay on the mainland as a precaution. The reason for this is that at the time of the storm Emergency Medical Services maybe limited as to how or even being able to handle calls given the weather conditions. Every effort will be made to handle all emergencies.

 

At this time sheltering in place (at home) is encouraged.  Please make sure that you are prepared for power outages that will probably happen. The Chebeague Island Hall will be open for those that need comfort or need to be fed. You are encouraged, if so desired, to bring along something to share. The Hall does not have cots or blankets. So if you desire to sleep there you must bring your own bedding. Potable water can be drawn there as well as the Fire House. Please bring a container if you need to transport it back to your home.

 

We encourage you, as you have done for so many years, to check your neighbors for their wellbeing. Fire and Rescue personnel may from time to time check in on those that may be isolated.

 

Fire and Rescue personnel will be on standby and all emergency equipment is ready for deployment. They will be working out of our Fire Station, which is used as the Emergency Operations Center during these events. As always if you have an emergency dial 911 and they will be dispatched accordingly. During these events the Fire/Rescue personnel work very closely with other outside agencies such as Cumberland County Emergency Management to assess damages and longer term needs of the community. They also work with Central Maine Power and FairPoint Communications to once again assess damage, clear roadways and work with them to help clear lines to restore power and telephone services as soon as possible. NEVER TOUCH ANY DOWNED LINES EVER!

 

Watch the local news for weather updates. And please exercise caution and use common sense during this event.

 

Thank you,

Ralph Munroe

Town of Chebeague Island Fire/Rescue Chief, Emergency Management Director