Business & Tech

Stamford Public Schools Closed on Monday [SANDY HUB]

Stamford Patch will be bringing you all the latest on Hurricane Sandy.

Updated, 9:26 a.m. Nov. 4

The number of Stamford customers without power on Sunday is down to 11 percent as of 9 a.m., according to CL&P.

Updated, 8:39 p.m. Nov. 3

The following statement was released on Saturday by the City of Stamford:

State of Emergency remains in force.

Stamford Public Schools are closed Monday, Nov 5, 2012 and closed on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 for Election Day.

Residents’ Comforts: Westhill High School will be open from 9AM-1 PM Saturday and Sunday for all citizens to use the shower facilities (please bring towels and toiletries).

There will be potable water - residents need to bring water containers of any size for filing.

The YMCA of Stamford is offering shower accommodations for anyone in
Stamford without power. Please bring a towel. Identification is required for
anyone over 18 years of age.

Today, Sat., 8am - 5pm, Sun, 11am -4pm

Stamford High School: remains open for all those requiring shelter.

Ferguson Library: Those without power can charge cell phones and other electrical devices at the main branch. The Library will remain open Saturday and 12-6 PM on Sunday.

CL&P Report: Outages – As of 6 PM: Currently, approximately 6,800 residents remain without power.

Crew component: The Department of Public Works is working with 45 line crews 24/7 to restore power as quickly as possible.

Flooded Homes: The City’s Electrical Inspector with CL&P crews are inspecting service panels for flood damage in affected flooded areas. When electrical panels are submerged in salt water it could cause an unsafe and potentially hazardous condition. If there is flood damage to the service panel the meter will be disconnected until a licensed electrician certifies that the damage panels are repaired. This can be performed prior to obtaining a permit, to certify that the service panel and electrical system is in proper working condition and is safe to be re-energized. Any questions please contact the Emergency Operations Center at 203-977-5900 or 203-977- 5863 or the Buildings Department during business hours at 203-977-5700

CL&P Staging Areas in Stamford: Stamford has several staging areas being utilized by CL&P crews and contractor electrical crews for the Western Connecticut area. When you see an idle truck it may be because the crew has been assigned time to rest. The crews are working very hard to remove electrical hazards and to restore power. If you have any concerns please do not address the crews, call CL&P at (800)-286-2000.

No Fuel Shortage in CT: The fuel tankers that would normally enter New York Harbor are now diverted into New Haven. The Gas Station Pump lines we are seeing are a result of fuel shortages in NYC and with power outages. Many stations are requiring cash for payment.

Transportation: Metro North: The New Haven line is back in service. Everyone should check schedules however for any changes

FEMA: A summary of how businesses and individuals can apply for FEMA
reimbursement is located on the Website. A copy is also attached to this release.

Continue to check the City of Stamford website (www.cityofstamford.org) and emergency hurricane hotline (203-977-8840) for information and updates.

***DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR AND CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS***

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Updated, 4:59 p.m. Nov. 3

Stamford Public Schools will be closed on Monday, according to Superintendent Winnie Hamilton. 

Updated, 4:00 p.m. Nov. 3

As of 4 p.m., 13 percent of customers in Stamford are currently without power, according to CL&P.

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Updated, 11:29 a.m. Nov. 3

Ice, water and flashlights are being distributed on Saturday at Westhill High School between 10 am. and 3 p.m. for those still without power, according to a statement on the City of Stamford Web site.

As of 11:09 a.m., 15 percent of Stamford customers are currently without power, according to CL&P.

Updated, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 2

Mayor Michael Pavia and city officials held a press conference Friday afternoon to give an update on the state of the City of Stamford.

Some of the biggest news to come out of the meeting was the city's discovery that the WPCA waste management facility had released 1.2 million gallons of partially-treated waste into Long Island Sound during Hurricane Sandy.

The mayor said his office was notified only this morning of the system failure, which occurred Tuesday night.

"We're not sure why this happened, what caused it or why it took so long for us to be notified that it happened," Pavia said.

Pavia said the WPCA was told to keep their facility fully-staffed through all shifts throughout the duration of Hurricane Sandy. Director of Operations Ernie Orgera said, at the point the waste was discharged, it had already been processed through a majority of the system and gone through the ultraviolet system.

Officials said the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection had both been notified of the issue. City officials said they had not been contacted by the state departments about any concerns they had yet.

In other updates, Pavia said the state of emergency remains in effect, Stamford High School remains open as a shelter and the Ferguson Library and Westhill High School are currently operating as Comfort Stations for people to charge electronic devices. Both high schools also have shower and bathroom facilities available for public use. It is asked, if citizens have them available, that they bring their own towels and toiletries.

Dr. Winnie Hamilton, Superintendent to Stamford Public Schools said the decision on whether schools would be open Monday remains a day-to-day decision. Only four schools remained without power Friday afternoon, Northeast Elementary, Roxbury Elementary, Davenport Elementary and the Academy of Information, Technology & Engineering.

Hamilton said buses would be conducting test runs Saturday to see if all the routes they needed to travel would be open and free from downed wires and debris. The city reported the number of blocked streets had been whittled down to the teens. Until all of these factors can be seen closer to Monday, Hamilton said the district unfortunately had to wait to make a decision.

"We know this is an inconvenience for families," Hamilton said. "We understand that, but we need to make sure there is safe passage for your children and we have secure places to put them."

However, Hamilton said SAT tests would be held Saturday at Westhill and Stamford high schools as originally scheduled. Students will need to bring a photo ID with them.

Citizens are reminded to maintain the utmost safety if utilizing candles in powerless areas of Stamford, Director of Public Safety Ted Jankowski said, which is still about 10,003 CL&P customers as of Friday evening, or about 17-percent of Stamford customers.

Finally, officials said they didn't anticipate any issues with polling areas come Tuesday as CL&P crews continued to work around the clock but, if issues with any particular voting area arose, alternative sites would be set up.

Updated, 12:10 p.m. Nov. 2

A Statement From The City of Stamford:

The damage from Hurricane Sandy was extensive with many trees down, many snapped utility poles and many damaged transformers. Stamford Public Work Crews are working with 27 CL&P line crews and tree crews to restore power as quickly as possible.

Currently, at this time approximately 11,000 residents remain without power.

There are comfort stations located at Stamford High School and Westhill High School open until 8pm this evening and from 9am until 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Residents can charge electronic devices, obtain drinking water, and take showers. Please bring your own containers for drinking water and your own towel and toiletries for showering. The YMCA is also available for shower facilities, you must bring identification.

Stamford High School will remain open as a shelter through the weekend for those who need to seek refuge.

If you must use candles practice candle safety. Generators should never be used indoors. If outside make sure that it is at least 20’ away from buildings. Barbecue grills should never be used indoors for cooking or heating.
If temperatures in your refrigerator or freezer go above 40 degrees F, throw away perishable foods.

Please continue to check on friends, relatives and neighbors especially those who are home bound, have healthcare needs, or live alone to see if they may need assistance.

For updated information please go to the city’s website at http://www.cityofstamford.org or call the Hurricane Hotline at 203-977-8840.

Updated, 2:45 p.m. Nov. 1

Mayor Michael Pavia issued a statement Thursday afternoon addressing several issues regarding the state of the City of Stamford. He reiterated that the State of Emergency remains in effect and Stamford Public Schools will remain closed Friday, though Superintendent Winnie Hamilton made that same announcement earlier in the day.

Pavia reminded citizens again that Westhill High School would remain open as a "Comfort Station" until 8 p.m. Thursday and would re-open Friday morning at 6 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. Residents are invited to charge personal devices and use the showers and facilities, but are requested to bring their own towels and toiletries. Water is also available for citizens to take away in their own containers.

The mayor said trash pickup would resume on the following temporary schedule:

  • Thursday (normally Monday/Tuesday Routes) - Shippan and Southfield
  • Friday (normally Wednesday Route) - Springdale
  • Saturday (normally Thursday Route) - Newfíeld
  • Sunday (normally Friday Route) - Lower Ridges areas.

Stamford Parks and beaches remain closed. The following area gas stations, however, are open, according to the Department of Consumer Protection. You can find a full list of them in PDF form here.

  • General Equities, Inc., 953 Hope St., Stamford
  • Necg Holdings Corp., 1324 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich

Attorney General, George Jepson reported that his office has received complaints of price gouging of items such as milk, batteries and water. Any Citizen who experiences Such activity should report it to his office at the
following number: 860-808-5318.

The mayor's office again reminded absentee voters that the Town Clerk's Office will remain open until 6 p.m. Friday.

The city's water supply remains potable, according to Aquarian Water via Pavia.

Updated, 12:50 p.m. Nov. 1

Stamford Public Schools announced in the early afternnoon Thursday that there would be no classes for the final day of the week either.

Superindent Winnie Hamilton released a statement saying schools would remain closed Friday and citing 7 school buildings remaining without power, more than 50 roads still inaccessible around the city and one building still being used a shelter as reasons for the decision.

In local news, the New Canaan Office of Emergency Management and the Darien Police Department are warning area residents to beware a white male in his 40s driving around in a maroon SUV who is reportedly pretending to be a FEMA agent.

Do not let this man into your home. Ask for ID and call the police.

I-95 is currently shut down in both directions by Exit 37 due to a busted gasline that has caught fire, according to Governor Dannel P. Malloy's office. Those backups are sure extend locally in short order.

The Red Cross held something of an impromptu blood drive, according to a Red Cross manager on site at the ShopRite at 1990 W. Main Streeet.

Approximately 20 people showed up to donate blood at a mobile office parked in the lot. Red Cross employees said they were trying to process donations as fast as possible. Several previously-scheduled drives had to be canceled because Hurricane Sandy left areas set to place host to the drives had lost power.

14,083 homes in Stamford remain without power, about 25-percent of Connecticut Light & Power's customers.

Updated, 7:40 p.m. Oct. 31

A Not-So-Spooky Halloween Story About the Good to Come from Sandy

This Halloween, when Red Cross of Salvation Army volunteers yelled for the "Key Master" in the halls of Stamford High School, it wasn't Rick Moranis from the Ghostbusters for whom they were looking.

It was 11-year-old Luca Piacenza they were calling. The Norwalk 6th grader held the only elevator key for Red Cross and Salvation Army operation relief efforts while the volunteer groups cared for families in the high school gymnasium who had been displaced by Hurricane Sandy.

Piacenza, running up and down the hallways to operate the elevator car for families on the different floors or volunteers coming and going from the kitchen, was just fulfilling his destiny.

Luca was born on September 11, 2001. A day filled with tragedy, Luca's mother, Linda, said she's watched her son grow into someone who is driven by the need to help others.

"He's very into volunteerism," said Linda. "He was born with a passion to serve. We didn't lose power. He could've been sitting at home watching TV with no school and instead he said, 'Mom, are we going to help people today? Let's go. We need to get there.' It makes me so proud. Giving is a very contagious thing."

Luca has a little sister, 8-year-old Mia, who was also helping at the shelter. He said, while she can be a pain-in-the-butt sometimes, she's great at helping others, too. Volunteers shared stories of Luca and Mia dragging cots two-at-a-time to wherever they were needed the night before the storm. Luca said what they do is no big deal. They're just doing what they're supposed to do.

"This all started when my mom started working with Angela [Malizia] for this group called the Backyard Humanitarians," Luca said. "I started helping with them because I thought it was a great idea to give back to my community. I'm here today because I can help the people who don't have the stuff I currently have."

Malizia founded backyard Humanitarians as a Stamford-based, all-volunteer organization that looks to contribute manpower, money and creativity wherever it might be needed in the community.

"I like to say we'd like you to help, whether you can give five minutes, five dollars or five ideas," she said.

The group exists solely to find bodies and money for those who need it when the situation arises. They are a recognized Community Partner of the Red Cross, who utilizes the efforts of such grassroots groups when situations like Hurricane Sandy arise and the organization must stretch itself pretty thin.

"This group is about Stamford-area people helping Stamford-area people, and it's really taken off. We're growing so fast," she said. OF their efforts at the high school shelter, she said their task was easily defined. "We just want to make sure everyone's as comfortable as possible while they're here. When you're here making sure everyone's safe, and you're here for days-on-end, everyone becomes friends, and it's just adults and kids looking out for each other."

The high school had housed 47 people Tuesday night. That number was a significant drop from the Monday night peak Stamford High had hosted as the storm rolled into Connecticut and 9 p.m. emergency evacuations were conducted when the Governor issued a Category 4 warning, according to Red Cross Site Manager Frank Cassella.

"I went home when there were 150 people here," Cassella said. "I came back a few hours later and you can imagine my shock when I found out there were now 450 people here."

Though the numbers had slimmed down, there were still about 20 people hanging out throughout the day Cassella said. More importantly, Stamford residents without power were utilizing the site as a "Comfort Station" and visiting with their families to take showers and utilize the facilities throughout the day.

In addition to the Backyard Humanitarians, Cassella thanked the Salvation Army, who he said were life-savers when it came to providing meals for the people in the shelter. He also thanked Stamford's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Stamford Health and Human Services Department and the Board of Education and school system janitors, who he called unsung heroes. 

"Everything we wanted for, they provided," he said. "Heat, electricity issues, helping us set up, getting things unlocked. They were here the whole time and every time we needed something, they were right on top of it to help."

Cassella said he and Luca bonded because it's children who can surprise him most. Cassella was the one who had designated Luca Key Master, and said the kid couldn't be stopped.

"That's a pretty tough environment out there and he's just a young boy," Cassella said. "I was walking that every five minutes getting exhausted. I gave him that key and he was zipping up and back like it was nothing.

At the press conference held Wednesday afternoon when city officials gave an update on the condition of Stamford, the mayor touched briefly on stories like Luca's being told in the wake of Sandy. He said he couldn't be prouder of his citizens.

"I've heard about numerous instances of neighbors helping neighbors," Pavia said. "That is typically Stamford. We have a propensity for stepping out and sharing with and helping those who are in need and I encourage it to continue. It's something Stamford residents are certainly capable of and I'd like to see it increase."

So whether it be donating money, or toiletries, or an extra set of hands to help set up and break down cots at your city shelter, Stamford residents are urged to find a way to help lift each other up at a time when they are being tested most. Even if it's doing something as simple as running around with a key.

Updated, 2:50 p.m. Oct. 31

City officials came together once again Wednesday afternoon to provide an update on the condition of Stamford.

"I want to start by saying a State of Emergency is still in effect," Mayor Michael Pavia said. "There is still a large area of electricity out, there are downed wires and blocked streets. It is and will remain in effect."

Pavia did announce, however, the emergency evacuation has been lifted, and residents affected by the evacuation like the Shippan or Cove areas of Stamford are now permitted to return to their homes.

The mayor again took the opportunity to urge parents planning Halloween activities to use extreme caution and consider celebrating indoors this year due to the potential for downed wires and other hazards.

"My paramount concern is safety," he said. "Please consider this as a very strong warning use your judgment accordingly."

Public Safety Director Ted Jankowski echoed the sentiment, saying keeping Halloween close to home was the best idea for everybody.

"People believe, because the hurricane has passed, it's safe to go outside," Jankowski said. "There are still a lot of concerns. I strongly urge you to use common sense if you do go out. Our recommendation is to keep children indoors for a happy, safe Halloween."

Pavia also announced in addition to Stamford High School remaining open for the immediate future as a shelter, Westhill High School would now be operating in the rear as a "Comfort Station," where residents can visit to shower, charge electrical devices and use the facilities between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. They are also able to pick up large quantities of water in containers from the taps and facets available there.

The Ferguson Library announced its branches would also open for extended hours for use by the public as a place to rest and charge devices. The main library would remain open until 9 p.m. through the end of the week, opening at 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday.

The Harry Bennett Branch currently has no electricity, but also plans to remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. The Hollander Branch will operate under those hours as well Thursday and, if necessary, Friday if the Bennett Branch remains powerless.

Pavia said there was some confusion over just how many crews were in Stamford working on the power issues Wednesday as they'd heard Tuesday the number of crews reportedly dropped from 12 to 3 at one point. Scrambling to find out why that would be the case, Pavia said they discovered there were actually 10 line crews and 5 tree crews out working.

Dr. Winnie Hamilton announced the decision to close schools on any day is always a difficult one, but that schools would remain closed through Thursday at least. While many districts in the area have announced closures through Friday, Hamilton said she was remaining optimistic they'd be able to get kids back to school, even if it meant utilizing more students in other buildings.

"I'm trying to be an eternal optimist," Hamilton said. "But there are still eight schools without power, trees that are down, impeded bus routes and one school still being used as a shelter."

Hamilton said allowing Stamford High to operate as both a high school and a shelter would depend on the number of people still utilizing the space as a shelter.

"It's always a possibility," she said Wednesday.

The town clerk's office will remain open with extended hours Friday, Nov. 2. The Mayor announced that would be until 6 p.m., though Town Clerk Donna Loglisci said during a conversation with Patch earlier in the day that it would be open until 6:30 p.m.

City garages would remain open and free to the public until 8 a.m. Thursday morning, Pavia said, at which point they would return to business-as-usual.

The mayor also announced city dumpsters would be placed in high-impact areas of the city so residents would have a place to dump debris as clean up efforts got underway.

More than two dozen traffic lights remained without power Wednesday, according to Jankowski, and 40 temporary stop signs were in the process of being put up. Between 90 and 100 roads remained blocked Wednesday by downs trees or lines.

The Stamford Care & Control Center, which had evacuated more than three dozen animals prior to the arrival of Hurricane Sandy to High Ridge Animal Hospital and Rippowam Animal Hopsital, is still responding to calls. She said Wednesday would be the first day any animals picked up would probably begin to be processed at the shelter itself again. 

Director Laurie Hollywood said High Ridge Animal Hospital was not charging the shelter for use of its facility throughout the event and, as of Tuesday, Rippowam was providing the service gratis as well.

"Both have been very good to us," she said.

Updated, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31

Stamford Public Schools will be closed Thursday, officials announced Wednesday afternoon. As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, no decision beyond the following day had been made yet, though a press conference at the Stamford Government Center was scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Stamford Town Clerks Office also announced Wednesday special extended hours for Friday, November 2. Normally, the office would close at 3:30 p.m. Friday, but Town Clerk Donna Loglisci said Wednesday they would open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to help accommodate absentee voters who had run into issues because of Hurricane Sandy.

More than 56-percent of Stamford residents remained without power Wednesday afternoon. 31,675 Connecticut Light & Power residents were lacking electricity at 1:30 p.m., the company was reporting.

Updated, 10:25 a.m. Oct. 31

The Connecitcut Department of Social Services' Office at 1642 Bedford Avenue in Stamford will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 31, due to a continued lack of power resulting from Hurricane Sandy.

The building is one of 26,568 in the city still reporting a lack of electricity, according to Connecticut Light & Power. That's 47-percent of their customer base.

The DSS Stamford office serves Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford and Wilton. The public is encouraged to call 2-1-1, toll-free, for non-emergency information and referral.

Mayor Michael Pavia cautioned parents Tuesday about the dangers and hazards that exist in the streets following Sandy's destructive force rolling through town but ultimately left the decision to parents on whether they'd partake in holiday activities. Governor Dannel P. Malloy played "good cop" and said that, if the neighborhoods look safe, let kids have their Halloween fun.

"Safety is a top concern," Malloy noted. "Adults need to use their best judgment in keeping kids safe."

Regardless of what your plans might be, always assume any downed wires spotted are live, stay at least ten feet away from them and notify authorities when they're spotted.

Updated, 7:20 p.m. Oct. 30

A State of Emergency will remain in effect for the City of Stamford for the immediate future, Mayor Michael Pavia's Office announced Tuesday night. Stamford High School would remain operational as a shelter and all public schools would remain closed Wednesday.

Pavia urged Stamford residents to hold off on outdoor Halloween activities as safety still could not be guaranteed following the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Hazards including but not limited to fallen electrical wires remain a very real danger.

The Stamford Government Center would open for business as usual Wednesday, Pavia announced. Garbage and recycling would resume Thursday beginning with Shippan.

For inquires and to report outages please call the CL&P Hotline at 800-286-2000. Late Tuesday, CL&P announced assessment procedures were still taking place. Crews must first complete damage assessment to determine necessary repairs throughout the city.

"Working with the municipalities we serve, we’ve made significant progress in clearing roads blocked by downed trees and electrical equipment,” said Bill Quinlan, CL&P Senior Vice President of Emergency Preparedness.  “We are working to complete a detailed damage assessment of our 17,000 miles of overhead equipment, using patrollers on the ground and in helicopters, so we can efficiently deploy our resources for full restoration.” 

Metro-North also made comments Tuesday night that they were still assessing their right-of-way and critical infrastructures to determine when service could be restored, though it remained suspended Tuesday evening. Trees, power and signal outages and flooding have left various portions of the railway damaged or incapable of use.

Metro-North said their goal was to "restore as much service as possible when it is safe to do so."

Pavia said many traffic lights are still not functioning throughout the city and, while the city works to resolve the issues, asks citizens to continue to remain courteous and cautious while traveling the roads of Stamford.

Pavia also reminded citizens to never use a generator inside a home, garage, crawlspace, shed, or similar area even when using fans or opened doorways and windows for ventilation.

Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

29,732 remained without power in Stamford by 7:45 p.m., according to the CL&P outage map.

Updated, 3:00 p.m. Oct. 30

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was joined by city and state officials at Shippan Point to survey damage and talk about the coordinated response between Stamford and the Governor's Office Monday night when Hurricane Sandy rolled into town.

Malloy said at one point, the data his office was receiving about the volume of water building up into the Long Island Sound was unprecedented and, if the build up hadn't slowed down at around 8 p.m., it would have become a much more devastating situation.

Malloy said that data was what led to his office getting in touch with municipalities along the shore line to urge them to further their evacuation efforts. 

He said the Connecticut Light & Power response has been outstanding when compared to previous weather events, Malloy said. He took the time to thank a team from Kansas City that was moving along Shippan Avenue working to clear trees.

Updated, 11:00 a.m. Oct. 30

Stamford city officials called a press conference Tuesday morning to talk numbers and give their initial assessment for the city's response to the storm.

"There was no loss of life to citizens or emergency responders [in Stamford]," Mayor Michael Pavia said. "There was one minor storm-related injury and that person was taken to the hospital. Two others were taken to the hospital with medical issues due to power outages relating to the storm."

The following statistics came out of the meeting:

  • More than 35,000 customers remain without power, about 63-percent of CL&P's Stamford customers.
  • 12 Line Crews and 4 Tree Crews are currently out working on Stamford.
  • The Stamford Police Department had 37 officers out at the height of the storm maintaining order and assisting citizens. 20 EMS personnel were staffed through the store. Exact numbers weren't released for the fire department, but a large number of volunteer and paid fire fighters worked tirelessly throughout the night.
  • 47 intersections remain without power.
  • 724 calls for service were received by 911 beginning at 3 p.m. Monday afternoon through this morning.
  • 448 people are currently sheltered at Stamford High School, 213 at Rippowam School and 2 at Scofield School.
  • Approximately 30-to-36 roads remain blocked by trees or wires.

The mayor also announced the high tide at noon today was predicted to be normal height plus one or two feet, a very good condition considering the severity of the storm.

City officials also noted their initial predicitons for how the storm would impact Stamford and what areas needed to be evacuated were dead-on. However, at 8:15 p.m. Monday night, at the request of Governor Dannel P. Malloy's office stating they had different information, an evactuation initiative went into effect for SLOSH areas 3 and 4. Starting at 9 p.m., 347 people were evacuated in a 3-hour window without incident.

Malloy's office was feeding Stamford information that the water was going to be coming into the sound at 21-feet, 3 feet above the city's hurricane barriers, Stamford Fire & Rescue Chief Antonio Conte said.

"It did not coincide with the figures we put together, but we actively began evacuating people form those areas," Conte said. "We'd predicted the sea level would only reach around 13 feet."

That gave the city between 4 and 5 feet to play with on it's various barriers. The numbers predicted by the Governor's office never came to fruition, but Pavia said when information comes from someone in a decision-making position from anywhere in the state that gives more dire information than what he himself has predicted, he will always lend the idea creadence.

"These situations are extremely fluid," Pavia said. "Anything can happen. We have to respect the fact that maybe something else was occurring at the time that we were not aware of... We consider every tiny, minute piece of info."

The Red Cross and Salvation army continue to work with the city to provide food for those stuck at city shelters.There was no word yet on how long those evacuated would be displaced, as the city was just recently able to begin assessing the situation in areas from where they had been displaced.

According to city officials, the following major roads are a few that remain problem areas and will be the focus of cleanup efforts in the immediate future.

  • High Ridge Road
  • Long Ridge Road
  • New Haven Avenue
  • Stillwater Street
  • Hope Street

Updated, 8:45 a.m. Oct. 30

A total of 35,006, 62-percent of CL&P's customer base are currently without power in Stamford.

Governor Malloy just released statements concerning the state of the State of Connecticut. Two fatalities occurred overnight. An Easton firefighter was killed by a tree falling into his apparatus and a Mansfield woman who was killed by a falling tree.

Malloy stated two people who had also gone missing and search teams were currently working to locate them.

"The storm is over, and we're now in assessment, search, rescue, and recovery mode," Malloy said.

The travel ban on state roads was lifted early Tuesday morning, though state workers weren't called to return to work until Wednesday. Local school systems were also informed that they should remain closed for at least Tuesday.

Approximately 600,000 remained without power statewide, the governor's office said. Company figures show 476,603 of those are CL&P customers. The other 149,397 are customers of United Illuminating.

Mayor Michael Pavia called a press conference to give updates on the state of Stamford for 10 a.m.

Updated, 7 a.m. Oct. 30

According to Connecticut Light & Power, 34,277 homes in the city are without power this morning — about 61 percent of the utility's customers here.

As dawn breaks on Stamford and reveals the extent of last night's damage, be sure to upload your photos to our resident gallery of storm pics.

After a brief trip downtown this morning, here's a short list of places where you can get a cup of coffee, breakfast and other items. Businesses that are open and serving customers include:

  • The Wedge Inn
  • Dunkin Donuts (Prospect Street location — the one down on the corner of Atlantic and Main is dark)
  • Curley's Diner
  • Midtown News

Know of more places serving breakfast this morning? Is your business opening today? Let us know by posting in the comment thread below, and we'll Tweet it out to our followers on Twitter and post it to our Stamford Patch Facebook page. Thanks!

Updated, 10:00 p.m.

The following is a press release from Mayor Michael Pavia's Office:

URGENT - STAMFORD ALERT!  THE CITY OF STAMFORD HAS JUST RECEIVED A DIRECTIVE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

LEVELS OF THE INCOMING TIDE, DRIVEN BY HIGH WINDS, MAY CAUSE LIFE THREATENING FLOODING CONDITIONS.

RESIDENTS ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS ARE REQUIRED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY. 

STAMFORD POLICE HAVE BEGUN CANVASSING THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO ADVISE RESIDENTS.

  • IROQUOIS RD.
  • RIPPOWAM RD
  • SEAVIEW AVE
  • ALGONQUIN AVE
  • INGALL ST
  • MOHEGAN AVE
  • PONUS AVE
  • AULDWOOD RD
  • LENARK RD
  • OCEAN DRIVE NORTH
  • WAMPANAW RD
  • LANELL DR
  • DOWNS AVE
  • RALSEY RD
  • RALSEY RD SOUTH
  • MITCHELL ST

RESIDENTS MAY GO TO SHELTERS AT:

  • STAMFORD HIGH SCHOOL
  • RIPPOWAM HIGH SCHOOL
  • SCOFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

Updated, 9:30 p.m.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy just issued what he called a "Katrina-like warning," to shoreline towns from Greenwich to Old Saybrook, saying he was issuing a Category 4 warning, the highest level.

The Governor said after watching water pushed into the Long Island Sound and gathering data, he was moved to issue the warning. Malloy said another 5 to 7 feet could be added to the sea levels.

He said there would be time later to find out who didn't do what they were supposed to, but said people who hadn't left when they initially could have—and probably should have, considering the evacuation orders issued—will likely be stuck where they are.

He urged those now surrounded by water not to attempt to leave. If water is all around your home, stay in it. Move upwards, not out into the water to try and flee. Sit tight, even if it means climbing onto the roof, he said. Power outages would be for an "extended period of time," he said.

"It's evident that some shoreline towns did not urge residents to evacuate," the governor's office said in a statement. "It's also clear some did not heed the calls to evacuate."

Shortly after, he issued a statement saying all state employees should refrain from coming to work Tuesday.

The Red Cross issued a statement saying 6-inches of fast-flowing water is enough to knock you over, and 2-feet of water can float a car, so do not get into the water, whatever you do.

Stamford currently has 32,619 without power, 58-percent of CL&P's customer base.

Updated, 9 p.m.

At just shy of 9 p.m., 30,921 were without power in Stamford, including one resilient and not-scared-of-the-dark-whatsoever Stamford Patch Local Editor who wishes he'd thought to get more than just one candle.

Updated, 8:30 p.m.

30,175 now without power. 54-percent of customers in Stamford.

Updated, 7:30 p.m.

26,586 now without power. 47-percent of customers in Stamford.

Updated, 7:00 p.m.

17,462 customers are without power in Stamford according to CL&P. That's 31-percent of their customer base in the city. Deteriorating conditions are keeping most emergency and maintenance service personnel inside and out of the dangerous elements of the storm. Be prepared to tough it out for an extended period of time.

Updated, 5:35 p.m.

Mayor Michael Pavia and city officials held one final press conference Monday evening at approximately 5 p.m. to continue to disseminate as much information as they could to the public of Stamford as Hurricane Sandy moves into her more serious stages.

The mayor said the city has experienced just under 4-inches of rainfall so far, a relief compared to the 10-to-12 inches for which the city had initially been planning.

The mayor said he went for a tour of the city and found all the most typically populated areas to be deserted, a positive sign, he said, taking into account he's not instituted a mandatory curfew.

"People seem to be [staying in] on their own," Pavia said. "Don't go out, there's no reason, unless it's an emergency."

"We have a Category 1 hurricane mixing with a Nor'Easter, which is devastating to the area," he added later.

Public Safety Director Ted Jankowski said he witnessed flooding at the anticipated areas the city had evacuated and was confident in their decision to get those citizens out of that area. He said as the storm surge pushes more water into the Long Island Sound, he expects further issues.

"We're definitely going to see expanded flooding later on," Jankowski said. "We were very well prepared. Anyone who needs to relocate now, it's going to be difficult. It's dangerous now."

The mayor praised CL&P's efforts so far through Sandy, calling their operations within the city significantly improved over previous events' efforts, including working during the storm to lower power outages for as high as 5,000 customers to just 2,500 in a few hours.

This was earlier in the afternoon. Currently, 6,051 are without power in Stamford as of 6 p.m.

Pavia said their working directly with the staff of the emergency operations center, and the work between each of those members, has really put Stamford in a positive place from which to defend the city against the storm.

"We're as prepared as you can be," Pavia said. "We're dealing with mother nature, and you never know when she's going to throw you a curve ball. But if something is going to happen, I'm optimistic it will happen with this group behind me."

Stamford Fire & Rescue Chief Antonio Conte echoed this sentiment, saying the group has a special bond after facing so many threats to the city.

"Everyone knows each other very well," he said. "You can almost guess what the next person is thinking... Everything has been working as planned."

Pavia joked after the press conference about just how much Stamford has faced under his tenure, saying Sandy was the fourth meteorological event since he's been mayor that could be classified as "unprecedented."

"First we had a wind storm with strong microbursts that took down 2,000 trees and made us lose power for a week," he said. "Then we had Irene, unprecedented in its size, again we were without power for a week. Then we had the Halloween Snowstorm and again it was unprecedented, though we handled that much better. I think next, it will be locust."

Updated, 4:16 p.m.

Planet Fitness has just announced it will open its doors to all members of the community, members and non-members alike, for anyone who might need to utilize their facilities for a hot shower or to use the locker rooms.

Locations for Planet Fitness centers in Connecticut can be found here.

Updated, 4:09 p.m.

According to the Belltown Fire Department and Daniel Dauplaise, Democratic candidate for CT's 36th State Senate seat, the Stamford Fire & Rescue and Volunteer Departments will no longer be responding to reports of downed wires.

Winds in Stamford have now exceeded 35mph.

Updated, 3:24 p.m.

Now, 4,070 CL&P customers are without power in Stamford, 7-percent of their customer base.

Updated, 2:41 p.m.

3,076 without power in Stamford, according to CL&P, which is 5-percent of Stamford CL&P customers. Representatives say they will continue to operate repair services until high winds force bucket trucks to stay grounded.

Additionally, a downed tree and wires have been reported by the Belltown Fire House in the 200 block of Belltown Road.

Updated, 2:29 p.m.

UConn Stamford will be closed to classes Tuesday. A decision regarding Wednesday's classes will be made Tuesday afternoon.

Updated, 2:06 p.m.

297 reporting loss of power. That's .5-percent of Stamford CL&P customers.

Updated, 12:30 p.m.

Shippan Avenue is now closed to non-residents until after the high tide.

Updated, 11:10 a.m.

City officials continued to urge residents to prepare for the punch Hurricane Sandy would deliver when she makes landfall later in the evening Monday.

Mayor Michael Pavia called the storm a "very large, extremely dangerous hybrid storm," that would not act like any other storm previously encountered.

The mayor gave several status updates on steps the city was taking to prepare. The Stamford Animal Care & Control Center has been evacuated of animals, he said. Stamford shelters will be receiving 500 additional cots. Pavia said 65 people were already utilizing the shelter space Sunday night.

Additional measures would be taken to accommodate absentee voters who might have been delayed or inconvenienced by the storm. Those measures would be announced after the storm once its impact can be assessed.

City garages will remain open and free for the duration of the storm, he said. and in preparation of major coastal flooding, all residents in mandatory evacuation zones were urged to leave the area now in interest of their own safety.

Updated, 10:59 a.m.

The following message was sent via email by Lord & Taylor representatives:

Due to inclement weather Lord & Taylor will postpone "Shop Smart. Do Good! A Fundraising Day". The event has been rescheduled for Friday, November 2nd and Saturday, November 3rd at its Stamford, CT store. All activities and personal appearances will follow the rescheduled dates.

Should you have any questions or wish to speak with someone regarding the schedule change, please contact me direct at arrael@lividini.com.

Original Story

Hurricane Sandy is moving into the area for a while, so, before things get serious, I wanted to take the time to address everyone.

Patch is going to be here bringing you as much information as is available throughout the whole progression of this event. Watch this space for updates. When I learn something, this is where I'll be sharing it. You will also be able to follow along with me on Twitter and Facebook.

Here's a breakdown of things we already know:

  • 25 Stamford residents already reporting loss of power, according to CL&P outage map. (9:13am)
  • Connecticut Light & Power crews are building a 6-foot concrete wall to protec the Stamford substation from flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy.  pic.twitter.com/lJffr4Rx
  • Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is anticipated to ban trucks from Connecitcut interstates later with expected high winds reaching 90mph between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. (9:04am)
  • Sandy will be unprecedented. Connecticut is currently in a state of emergency. 
  • Public schools will be closed through Wednesday.
  • According to the American Red Cross Connecticut Regional Chapter, "As of midnight, 461 people staying in 12 Red Cross shelters in Connecticut." Three emergency shelters in Stamford were opened as of 1 p.m. and are located at Stamford High School, Rippowam Middle School and Scofield Magnet Middle School. Residents are encouraged to bring any necessary medications, toiletries and linens with them to the shelters. Pets with tags are permitted, but owners must provide their own pet food and medicine.
  • According to the city's website:

The Stamford Government Center will be open on Monday, October 29th, however, all City Health Department Clinics will be closed, and all evening public meetings scheduled at Government Center are postponed.

  • The Stamford Town Center will be closed for at least Monday
  • All Urgent Care Centers CT will be closed Monday and are currently scheduled to reopen Tuesday.
  • Chelsea Piers CT will be closed Monday and will evaluate the situation Tuesday.
  • Temple Sinai will be closed to classes and functions Monday and Tuesday.
  • Metro-North & Amtrak services have been cancelled for Monday. 5,000 flights have also been canceled.
  • All state parks will be closed Monday.
  • Stamford has officially opened the Emergency Operations Center and
    it is fully activated. according to statement released by Mayor Pavia's office. A mandatory evacuation of SLOSH areas I and II, listed below, has been called. These places have been deemed inhospitable for the immediate future. It is mandatory if you residing in one of the areas below to leave immediately. Here is a map of mandatory evacuation areas in PDF form. Suggested evacuation areas can be seen here in PDF form.

SLOSH AREAS I AND II

Auldwood Dr; 32 and higher
Burwood Ave; 92 and higher
Cambridge Rd; 4, 12
Carter Dr; 27 and higher
Clinton Ave (odd only)
Cook Rd
Cummings Point Rd; 120 and higher
Davenport Dr
Davenport St
Division St; 1 - 28
Dolphin Cove Quay
Downs Ave; 93 and higher
East Ave; 24 and higher
East Main St; 1281 and higher
Eureka Ter
Flying Cloud Rd
Gatehouse Rd
Greenwich Ave; 108 - 186 (even only); 204 - 255 (both sides)
Gypsy Moth Landing
Half Moon Way
Hickory Dr
Hobson St; 95, 120
Holly Cove Cir
Joshua Slocum Dock
Kenilworth Dr E; 56 and higher
Kenilworth Dr W; 61 and higher
Lanark Rd; 33 and higher
Lighthouse Way; 31 and higher
Limerick St; 51 and higher
Main St; 1 - 29 (odd only)
Mathews St; 94 and higher
Milton St; 1- 18
Mitchell St; 46 and higher
Ocean Dr N; 2 - 50
Ocean Dr W; 367 - 389 (odd only)
Pulaski St; 44 and higher
Ralph St
Ralsey Rd South
Ralsey Rd; 82 and higher
Rockledge Dr; 102 and higher
Rogers Rd; 35 and higher
Saddle Rock Rd; 34 and higher
Sagamore Rd; 89 and higher
Sea Beach Dr; 39 and higher
Seaview Ave; 10, 43 and higher
Selleck St; 1 - 11
Shore Rd; 5
Signal Rd
Silver St
Soundview Ave; 200, 211
Soundview Dr; 45 and higher
Southfield Ave; 2 - 196 (even only)
Southfield Ave; 211 and higher
Thread Needle Rd
Top Galland Rd; 1 - 56
Tupper Dr
Van Buskirk Ave; 13 - 107 (odd only)
Wallacks Dr; 62 and higher
Wardwell St; 240
Water St
Waterbury Ave; 154 and higher (even only)
Weed Ave
Weed Cir
West Main St; 9 - 43
Whittaker St
Willowbrook Ave; 205 and higher


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