As communities throughout the state prepare for what could be the first hurricane to make landfall in Connecticut since 1991, those in charge of emergency shelters must take into account new pandemic realities.

American Red Cross spokeswoman Jocelyn Hillard on Friday afternoon said the organization has identified East Lyme Middle School as a regional shelter if one becomes necessary. It is the only site in New London County being contemplated at this time, she said.

How the storm tracks, whether or not evacuation orders are issued, and the specific needs of the community all factor into the decision to open an emergency shelter, she said.

If the shelter is activated, she said the Red Cross remains committed to serving anyone who needs help while being as safe as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic. That means mask requirements, increased sanitation measures and arrangements for people with COVID-19 to stay in hotels, according to the spokeswoman.

Hillard said the Red Cross is working with public health officials to identify the best way to ensure people with COVID-19 are cared for.

She emphasized Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status.

"We don't want anyone to feel like they can't come," she said. "If they want a safe place to go, we want to be that one."

East Lyme Emergency Management Director and police Chief Mike Finkelstein said the partnership with the Red Cross is part of a regional effort to serve the emergency shelter needs of East Lyme, Lyme, Montville, New London, Old Lyme and Waterford. He said a decision on opening the shelter likely will be made later in the weekend.

Hillard described Red Cross shelters as accessible facilities set up to provide comfort, food, water, information and sleeping accommodations in the event of a disaster. All disaster assistance is free.

Finkelstein said the shelter will be open to pets, a trend that arose in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. "It was a learned lesson from a national standpoint that people were sometimes reluctant to go to shelters when they had a pet that they didn't want to leave behind," he said.

The pets are kept separately from spaces where people congregate and are overseen by animal control officers from participating communities, he said.

In New London, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Tom Curcio said city officials have been monitoring the forecast and making plans, if the need arises, to open an emergency shelter at Winthrop STEM Magnet Elementary School, 74 Grove St.

The shelter would be needed in the event of flooding or a widespread and prolonged power outage. Curcio said there is special concern during a power failure for those residents dependent on powered medical devices. He said city crews were out Friday cleaning storm drains to help stem any flooding issues and his department was checking over its supply of generators and pumps. The city also will consider opening an emergency operations center.

Preston Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Tom Casey said, if necessary, the town would open the Preston Plains Middle School as an emergency shelter. The school has a generator and would offer water for residents to fill jugs and power-charging stations for devices. All attendees would be required to wear face masks at the facility.

e.regan@theday.com