Stamord Ct Hurricane News

City Prepares for Hurricane Irene

Friday, August 26, 2011, Stamford     In preparation for the approaching Hurricane Irene, Mayor Pavia met this morning with all emergency personnel and community agencies this morning to review preparations.   “Our area is expecting an extremely dangerous hurricane which may affect Stamford in significant proportions with severe winds and flooding due to heavy rain and storm surges.  Residents are encouraged to stay indoors throughout the hurricane and avoid travel at all costs once the storm enters our area Saturday evening,” said Mayor Pavia.  “Our police and fire departments and emergency personnel are fully prepared and are standby. Arrangements have been made for emergency shelters should our residents need to evacuate to higher ground.  City operations crews have coordinated teams with CL&P and are prepared to work together to expeditiously clear roads and make repairs.

It is important for residents to remember that, should the eye of the hurricane move directly over our area, it is imperative to remain indoors even while the weather seems calm,” added the Mayor, “until the hurricane has completely passed through our area.”

Municipal closures should be noted as follows: All City Parks and marinas, including Terry Connors Ice Rink, will close at 12 noon on Saturday, August 27^th,  and will remain closed until further notice.  The Solid Waste division will close at 12 noon on Saturday, including the Scale House, Transfer Station at Caterina Mygatt and the Scofieldtown recycling Center.

The Army Corps of Engineers has announced that they will be closing the hurricane barrier at intervals throughout the storm, beginning on Saturday afternoon.  Al mariners are urged to secure their vessels.

Residents are strongly encouraged to follow the following tips in preparation for the storm:  Bring in all outdoor furniture and any outdoor objects which can become airborne projectiles with heavy winds.  In low-lying areas of the City, evacuation may become necessary and is strongly suggested.  Residents should closely monitor the City’s website and the Emergency Hurricane Hotline for detailed information and maps outlining effected areas, road closures and emergency situations.  Free parking is available in all municipal parking garages at 28 Bell Street, 100 Summer Street and 17 Forest Street until 12 noon on Monday, for residents to leave their vehicles.

Currently, Stamford High School has been designated as a shelter and will open at 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 27^th.  If additional shelters are needed, they will be opened and announced accordingly.  If you are planning on going to the shelter, please be sure to bring your medications/medical supplies, toiletries and bed linens with you. 

·        Life threatening phone situations should be reported to 911.

·        Downed power lines should be reported immediately to CL&P at 1-800-286-2000.  Power outages may also be reported here.

·        Shelter, evacuation and other pertinent information will be available through the City’s Emergency Hurricane Hotline number at 203-977-8840 and will be updated frequently.

·        Citizens Service Center will be open for calls at 203-977-4140 to report operational issues such as downed trees, flooding, etc

Contact:  Lynn Arnow  

Phone:     203.977.4150

larnow@ci.stamford.ct.us