No Mandatory Evacuation for Tolland

Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief John Littell says that the Connecticut government Web site featuring updates on Hurricane Irene incorrectly lists a mandatory evacuation for the town of Tolland. 

"There is not an evacuation of Tolland," he said. 

A miscommunication most likely occurred when the on Shenipsit Lake Road was issued a mandatory evacuation, Littell said. He added that the camp site is now closed.

The town's Emergency Operations Center will be opened at 7 p.m. and staffed at 9 p.m. Littell said that Town Manager Steven Werbner, Public Works Operations Manager Clem Langlois, Jr., Tolland resident trooper Sgt. Scott Smith and emergency and public works staff will be manning the Fire Training Center on Merrow Road. 

While emergency personnel will be ready, Littell asks Tolland residents not to stop in at the center. He also urged residents to refrain from calling unless there is a true emergency.

"We strongly encourage residents to use high discretion as to any phone calls," he said. 

The staff at the EOC will be monitoring the storm, especially given the rainy conditions.

"Today's rainfall didn't help us," Littell said. 

Visit the town's Web site or check Tolland Patch for updates on Hurricane Irene and the town EOC.