Community Corner

Department Heads to Meet Twice Over the Weekend to Decide on What to Open and Close in Vernon

A decision on schools will be made over the weekend.

Two key weekend staff meetings will determine the exact course of action Vernon officials will take regarding a shelter opening and school closings for Hurricane Sandy.

Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said his latest weather alerts are calling for "tropical-force gusts" of wind as early as Sunday evening. Hurricane Sandy is supposed to hit either the Mid-Atlantic or New England states on Monday.

AccuWeather said the storm could resemble a massive nor'easter when it hits land.

"This changes our plans a little," Purcaro said.

Vernon's Emergency Operations Center will be staffed throughout the weekend.

All department heads are slated to meet on Saturday and Sunday to discuss the Sandy computer weather models. A decision will be made over the weekend about opening Vernon Center Middle School as a shelter and if schools would be closed.

Attached is Mayor George Apel's storm preparedness advisory to Vernon residents.

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