State to test hurricane preparedness with weekend drill

A storm is brewing over Connecticut.

Hurricane force winds exceeding 110 mph and heavy rain are expected to make landfall this weekend.

OK, so that's not really going to happen, but starting today, a four-day emergency preparedness drill will test how state and local officials would respond to a Category 3 hurricane similar to the one that struck in 1938.

"This is a real-time drill that will exercise decision-making and communications at the state and local level," said Scott DeVico, spokesman for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. "The exercise will also test communication between the state's utilities, municipalities and the state."

Officials said the goal is to spare residents the frustration they endured with recent prolonged power outages.

Gene Arters, Norwich's emergency management director, said the city will start its drill Monday, when all departments will begin preparations for an impending storm.

On Tuesday, the drill will test how the city reacts the day after the storm. Arters said the city must show how they would respond to various scenarios that the state will pose by phone or email.

East Lyme Fire Marshal Richard Morris said the town will also participate in the drill. He said a Connecticut Light & Power liaison will be with them during.

Preston First Selectman Robert Congdon also said a CL&P representative will be in town on Monday and Tuesday to work with town officials.

Reid Burdick, New London's emergency management director, said the city also plans to start its drill on Monday, reviewing plans and procedures and testing radios. He said the city conducts its own drills regularly.

i.larraneta@theday.com