Community Corner

Stamford Public Schools Closed Mon-Wed; Mandatory Evacuations Ordered [UPDATED]

A mandatory evacuation of SLOSH areas I and II has been called, according to a statement released by the Mayor's Office.

 

[Editor's Note: For updates on train and highway closures/delays, as well as power outages across southern Fairfield County once the storm hits, click here.]

Updated 10/28, 10:41 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Stamfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stamford Town Center will be closed on Monday, according to its Web site.

Updated 10/28, 8 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Stamfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The following message was posted on Norwalk Patch's Facebook page:

Due to hurricane Sandy, all locations of the Urgent Care Centers CT will be closed on Monday, October 29th. We will open on Tuesday, October 30 at 12 noon. We apologize for any inconvenience. Hoping we ALL get thorough this safe.

Updated 10/28, 7:46 p.m.

Chelsea Piers CT will be closed on Monday, according to an email sent by the sports facility. All scheduled programming for tomorrow will be canceled and an update will be sent to members at 4 p.m. Monday about the Tuesday schedule.

Updated 10/28 5:43 p.m.

The following email was sent to Temple Sinai families on Sunday:

"Due to Hurricane Sandy, Temple Sinai will be closed for all functions and classes on Monday and Tuesday. Please stay safe during the next two days. In case of emergency you can call 1-800-498-4205 and Rabbi TelRav will get back to you as soon as possible."

Updated 10/28 3:59 p.m.

The Fourth Congressional District Debate between Jim Himes and Steve Obsitnik at Wilton High School is canceled at request of both candidates, because of the storm's approach and evacuation of Connecticut's coastal areas.

***

Updated 10/28 2:35 p.m.

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

Updated 10/28 1:56 p.m.

The city of 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 has been called. (The streets in SLOSH areas I and II are listed below.)

Residents who in SLOSH Areas III and IV are urged to prepare for a mandated evacuation, which may become necessary later on Sunday. “Due to expected high tides, unprecedented storm surges, and heavy rains, I am advising anyone that lives in a low-lying area or along river flood plain areas, to relocate to higher ground,” Pavia said. “In the best interest of life and property, take
all warnings to take precautions very seriously. Residents should plan on extended evacuations due to forecasted extreme weather conditions.”

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 lines with them to the shelters. Pets with tags are permitted, but owners must provide their own pet food and medicine.

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

Updated, 10/28, 11:30 a.m.

Mayor Michael Pavia has announced an emergency press conference regarding Hurricane Sandy. The press conference will be held at 12:30 PM at Government Center in the Lobby.

Announcements will be made regarding partial mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas of Stamford, as well as other pertinent storm information. A public alert message will also be issued at 12:30 PM.

Updated, 10/27, 5:48 p.m.

The following statement was released by Mayor Michael Pavia's Office:

The National Weather Service and Connecticut’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security have reported that Hurricane Sandy remains a Category I Hurricane and is moving to the north at 10 MPH, with sustained winds of 75 MPH.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, as of 12:45 PM, declared a State of Civil Preparedness Emergency. The City of Stamford Emergency Operations Center is Partially Open and monitoring the hurricane.

Sandy is forecasted to move northwest to a position near the southern coast of New Jersey by 2:00 AM Tuesday morning. If the storm remains on this track, coastal towns in Long Island Sound are expected to be severely impacted by coastal and inland flooding due to unusually high tides, strong winds and heavy rains.

“Hurricane Sandy is likely to bring severe weather to our area. City officials and emergency personnel continue to prepare for extreme weather conditions, coastal flooding, and wide-spread and long term power outages. Residents must be ready to implement their Emergency Plans and consider evacuating from high risk areas,” said Mayor Michael A. Pavia.

Residents in coastal areas of Stamford; Dolphin Cove, Shippan, Wallacks
Point, and the Cove, may experience moderate to major sustained flooding
throughout this 36-hour storm period. Current projections from CT
Emergency Services and Public Protection show that flooding potential may
reach Category 2 of the Sea, Lake and Overland Surge from Hurricanes
(SLOSH) Inundation Map. (Refer to Map) Unprecedented tides may reach
as high as 4’ to 8’ above normal high tides. Residents who live in SLOSH
Areas I & II are urged to prepare for possible extended evacuation, should it become necessary.

Should this happen, make accommodations or be prepared to stay with family or friends. Have your Emergency Kit, and items such as valuables and insurance papers, ready to go. Tell others where you are going.

As the storm gets closer to our area, significant and widespread power outages, accompanied by fallen trees and major flooding are to be expected.

Catch Basins and Storm Drains should be kept clear of leaves and debris.
Residents are asked to immediately remove any leaves in the street to allow the flow of water into drains.

Loss of electricity, for many, means the loss of potable water. Keep a significant amount of water on hand; enough to last 10 days to 2 weeks.

High sustained winds and wind gusts will cause many outdoor objects to become airborne projectiles. Bring indoors all patio furniture and items to avoid damage or injury. Residents in high-rise buildings are asked to bring in all outdoor items.

The Dept. of Health and the Connecticut Area 1 Red Cross will be activating
Emergency Shelters to priority locations such as Stamford, Norwalk and
Bridgeport. Information and details on local shelters will be released in the next
Public Alert Message.

Residents are urged to heed warnings from City Officials, if told to evacuate.
“When conditions deteriorate to a level in which it is not safe to be outdoors,
emergency personnel will not be able to perform rescue operations or respond
to calls until weather conditions improve,” added Public Safety Director, Ted
Jankowski.

When to call 911:

  • To report a life-threatening emergency
  • To report downed power lines or live wires. Never approach the wires!
  • The roadway is blocked and emergency vehicles cannot get thru
  • If you smell a gas leak


When To Call Connecticut Light & Power:
• Routine power outages should be reported to CL&P at 800-286-2000.

When To Call Stamford’s Citizen Service Center:
• To report a blocked storm drain or other non-emergency issues. 203-977-4140

Download and read Stamford’s Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet - on our
homepage - for ways to stay safe and ride out the storm.

As Hurricane Sandy progresses, additional information and Alert Messages will
be issued as the situation develops. Alert Messages will be available on the City
website and issued to local media outlets.

 

Original Story

The National Weather Service has reported that Hurricane Sandy is now a strong Category II and is moving to the north at 20 MPH and has sustained winds of 105 MPH.

“Hurricane Sandy is being monitored very closely and will likely impact New England by Tuesday,” said Director of Public Safety Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that, as early as Saturday afternoon, October 27, beginning at 4:30 PM, the Stamford Hurricane Barrier will potentially be closed to all traffic through Wednesday, October 31st, due to high tidal surges related to Hurricane Sandy. Further marine warnings/watches will be released as they are received.

Mayor Michael A. Pavia urges residents to be fully prepared for possible severe weather or hurricane conditions. “Be aware of your risks and take precautionary measures to reduce the impact a hurricane can have on residents, businesses and our community,” said Mayor. “Preparation can save lives.”

During hurricane season, we re-dedicate ourselves to preventing loss of life and property damage by raising awareness and sharing tips on how to best prepare and stay safe in the event of severe weather or a hurricane.

Especially because Stamford is a coastal town, severe weather or a hurricane may cause significant flooding, high winds and power outages.

Residents and business are urged to prepare by making an Emergency Supply Kit:

  • Keep an extra cell phone car-charger in your automobile
  • Bottled water, 3-5 day supply (1 gallon per person, per day)
  • High-calorie, non-perishable food, i.e. granola/snack bars, etc.
  • Flashlights/Battery operated lanterns
  • Extra Batteries
  • Blankets or Sleeping Bags
  • Extra Clothes
  • First Aid Kit
  • If travelling with children, bring any necessary items

Develop and Rehearse an Emergency Plan; organize a plan for you and your family, should there be a disaster or emergency. Always inform loved ones where you are and where you are going, in case you become separated or need to relocate. Teach family members how to use text messaging; text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.

Register with Stamford’s Emergency Notification System, Code Red, to receive a phone message, text message whenever there is an urgent announcement or situational update.

Prepare to Evacuate If Necessary: If safety is at risk, a volunteer or mandated evacuation of an area may become necessary. If severe weather is imminent, arrange accommodations or make plans to stay with family or friends. Emergency Shelters will be open and be announced as necessary.

Keep Automobiles Prepared Long-term power outages may disable fuel
stations. Keep a cell phone car-charger in the glove box.

Emergency Shelters: If you must go to a shelter, be sure to pack any necessary medications or medical equipment, toiletries and bed linens.

Care for your Pet: If you have a pet, have a carrier/crate and extra food on-hand for your pet should you need to travel or relocate to a shelter. Pets can stay at the shelter, but vaccinations must be up to date (tags or paperwork) and they must be crated.

Stay Informed: Be sure to stay with Stamford Patch for the most up-to-date information available and check in on the cStamford Patch, and the city’s website for news and information as it becomes available.

For additional tips on how to prepare for and respond to severe weather, visit:
www.cityofstamford.orgwww.ready.gov and www.weather.gov.


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