'Shawshank' Escape: Town's Fears Amid Manhunt

Darlene Guerard and her sister Brandy Whitney are sitting on the porch of the house they share near the small town of Cadyville.

They while away the afternoon chatting and playing with their seven children whilst watching the activities at the roadblock at the end of their road like a drama unfolding on their television sets.

Ironically, Darlene tells me she moved here because it's quiet. We all laugh uneasily.

Cadyville and the surrounding area up to the prison at Dannamora are anything but quiet with 400 state troopers and every US network in town.

Police are scouring woodland in a huge sweep up to 10 miles southeast of the prison where two convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped from over the weekend in scenes reminiscent of the prison-break movie The Shawshank Redemption.

Some of the area is swampy and all of it is difficult terrain to search.

There have been reports that evidence of them bedding down in the woods has been found along with information from law enforcement sources that sniffer dogs picked up the scent of the men in the woods.

Darlene says: "It's actually quite scary, it makes me nervous especially for the children.

"They could be anywhere 'cause there are woods everywhere. The houses are far apart they could be anywhere.

"I'm worried they might break into the house. I had the police come over and check our yard and our garage and surrounding woods 'cause you never know. I was worried they might be hiding in our shed."

Sitting next to her, sister Brandy admits she's scared: "I'm worried they'd come in the house. They could be desperate to find somewhere to stay especially with the rain.

"We barely get any sleep. We're always checking the windows and the doors.

"For the criminals, it wouldn't be easy to survive in the woods without food and a place to sleep. I think they'll try to get in somewhere and find a place to sleep and get shelter."

By late afternoon some friends have joined Darlene and Brandy, and they sit together on the grass outside the house soaking up the sun and the constant activity at the roadblock.

There is some reassurance at the sight of the troopers stopping every vehicle, but a reminder that with the main highway west completely closed these residents are at the heart of the latest focus of police activity.

And if the police's leads are real then they are right to keep checking those outhouses and sheds - just as police have warned them to be on their guard and stay vigilant.