The Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency has been in close contact with the Maine Emergency Management agency preparing for any possible adverse effects of Hurricane Sandy.

According to the National Weather Service, Maine can expect to experience one to three inches of rain with 30-40 miles per hour of sustained winds, potential power outages, high surf, possible flooding and coastal erosion.

Lincoln County EMA Director Todd Hartung said he expects the peak of the storm will come in after midnight with winds gusting 60 miles per hour inland, and less along the coast.

With the high winds the immediate concern during the storm will be downed trees and power lines. Hartung warns people never to touch downed power lines. “All power lines should be treated as if they are alive,” he said. Hartung also urges residents to check drainage runoffs on their property to ensure that they are not blocked by fallen leaves, a condition that may cause flooding

“The first and most important step for everyone is to stayed informed,” said MEMA Director Rob McAleer in a recent press release. “The first step in staying safe is to stay tuned.”

“County and local emergency managers, first responders, and utility companies are getting ready for a serious storm, he said, “But we all can take steps to make sure we can weather the storm.”

The Wiscasset Community Center will become a Warming Center beginning at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning for anyone that may need it. On the Boothbay peninsula, EMA Director Scott Campbell will open a warming shelter at the Boothbay Fire Station, if needed.

“We're not really expecting it to be too bad here,” Campbell said. 

If a larger space is needed, Campbell has made arrangements with Andy Hamblett to use the YMCA.

Call Campbell at 350-6337 if you need shelter or to find out if the firehouse warming shelter has been opened.