Woodbury emergency management seeks new sheltering line item, urges CT Alert sign-ups

Emergency Management Director Amy Clark told the joint Boards of Selectmen and Finance on Jan. 31 that the town should add a dedicated, recurring budget line for sheltering supplies to ensure readiness for unforeseen events.

Clark reviewed outreach for CT Alert sign-ups and said contractual services in the emergency management budget reflect fees for NORCOM radio communications and NW Public Safety for 911 dispatch. "I am requesting a new line item dedicated to sheltering," she said, explaining the town should annually stockpile certain shelf-stable items rather than rely solely on ad-hoc purchases after an event.

Selectman Richard Coates suggested the Senior/Community Center basement as a possible storage location. Selectman Paul Zulpa noted that Woodbury has not activated warming centers historically because residents generally have not used them.

The request does not include a specific dollar figure in the discussion recorded, and no formal action was taken at the workshop. Boards will continue to consider sheltering needs as they finalize budget priorities.