Thanking the Crew of the East Side Fire Station (Shippan)

August 31, 2011 By

To the editor:

I would like to thank the firefighters from the East Side Station who responded to my call of downed and sparking wires during the hurricane. The response was immediate and they examined the interior and exterior of the house to make sure that no fire had started where the wires were sparking and popping outside the window. Stamford is fortunate to have such professionals in our Fire Department. The 911 operator also deserves mention as well for giving us safety instructions while waiting for the Fire Department to arrive.

Louis Volpintesta Jr.

Stamford

Filed Under: Letters From The Public

City of Stamford Declares State of Emergency

August 28, 2011 By

Mayor Michael Pavia is declaring a state of emergency effective at 8:00 a.m. Saturday August 27th, 2011. This state of emergency will be in effect until further notice. The City recommends that residents in low-lying areas evacuate and seek shelter on higher ground. Evacuation should be complete by no later than 7:00 p.m. on Saturday August 27th. To determine if your home will likely be affected please review the maps included in
this briefing.

Residents should make arrangements with family, friends or other accommodations immediately. If none of those options are available, the City is opening a shelter at Stamford High School on 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue at 5:00 PM. We are prepared to open additional shelters if necessary. Emergency workers at Stamford High School will direct evacuees to additional shelters if necessary.

Shelters are pet-friendly, but all animals must be crated. Please bring food and any medicines for your animals to the shelters.

The Mayor has temporarily suspended all parking meter rules beginning at 12:00 p.m.today so that residents in low-lying areas with multiple vehicles can move their vehicles to higher ground. All city parking garages are open and free.

Please routinely check you local news outlets for up to date information. The City will issue further information as it becomes available on its website and via Twitter, WSTC -1400AM and News 12 CT.

For further information on storm preparedness visit the American Red Cross website (www.redcross.org), and the federal government (www.ready.gov) for pointers on personal readiness.

During the emergency the City will use the Reverse 911 system to send a recorded message to each resident that has a published number.

EMERGENCY HELPLINES – UTILITIES

  • Aquarion Water Company 1-800-732-9678
  • Northeast Utilities (203) 386-2000
  • Yankee Gas 1-800989-0900

LOCAL NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

  • City of Stamford Citizen Services (203) – 977-4140
  • Emergency Hurricane Hotline (203)-977-8840 (Latest updates, recorded messages) City of Stamford Police Department non-emergency (203)-977-4444
  • Stamford Hospital (203) – 279-1000
  • Connecticut Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
Filed Under: In The News

Mayor Calls for Partial Evacuation of City

August 28, 2011 By

Saturday, August 27, 1011, 12:30 PM, Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia has announced a mandatory partial evacuation of low lying areas of the City and areas that are most vulnerable to flooding. “Due to expected storm surges, high tides and heavy rains, I am advising everyone that lives in these areas to relocate to higher ground,” the Mayor stated.

Effective immediately, residents who live on the following streets are advised to evacuate their homes and move to higher ground. Those Streets are as follows:

  • Sea Beach Drive (#76 and above, even numbers only) Saddle Rock Road
  • Rogers Road (#49 and above)
  • Ralsey Road South (#1 through #37, odd numbers only) Downs Ave. (#111 through #142)
  • Ralph Street (#9 and #15)
  • Dolphin Cove Quay (#160 and above) Kennilworth Drive West (#73 through #95) Weed Ave. (Weed Circle, #195 through #225)

Residents should make arrangements with family, friends or other accommodations. If none of those options are available to you, the City is opening a shelter at Stamford High School, located at 55 Strawberry Hill Ave. at 5:00 PM.

Please bring any necessary medications, toiletries and bed linens you will need with you. Shelters are pet-friendly, however all animals must have their vaccinations up to date (tags or paperwork) and must be crated. Please bring food and medicine for your pets.

If necessary, additional shelters will open and be announced on the City’s website: www.cityofstamford.org and on Twitter @cityofstamford. Emergency workers at Stamford HS will direct evacuees to additional shelters, if necessary.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

  • Emergency Hurricane Hotline: 203-977-8840
  • CL&P: 800-286-2000
  • Yankee Gas: 800-989-0900

LOCAL NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

  • Stamford Police Dept.: 203-977-4444
  • Citizens Service Center : 203-977-4140
  • Stamford Hospital: 203-279-1000
  • Connecticut Poison Control: 800-222-1222
Filed Under: Alerts

Hurricane Warning Posted For Stamford, CT

August 27, 2011 By

NEXT UPDATE… THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON AROUND 930 PM EDT…OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT. NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX- NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN- SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON- WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX- WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER- SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX- RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK- NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK- NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU- 708 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2011 …HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT… …PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… MAKE THE FINAL PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. RUSH TO COMPLETION THE HARDENING OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS BY CLOSING SHUTTERS AND BRACING GARAGE DOORS. IF EVACUATING…LEAVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. GUARD AGAINST BEING STUCK OUT ON ROADWAYS WHEN DANGEROUS WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS ARRIVE. AGAIN…DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME. REMEMBER…PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MOST OFFICIAL SHELTERS…SO CHECK AHEAD WITH YOUR INTENDED SHELTER. IF STAYING IN A HOME…TURN THE REFRIGERATOR TO MAXIMUM COLD AND KEEP IT CLOSED. TURN OFF PROPANE TANKS AND UNPLUG SMALL APPLIANCES. FILL THE BATHTUB WITH WATER IN CASE THE TAP WATER BECOMES UNAVAILABLE AFTER THE STORM. THIS IS FOR CLEANING AND FLUSHING PURPOSES. DO NOT DRINK IT.

via Hurricane Warning.

Filed Under: Alerts

Merritt Parkway likely will be closed Saturday at midnight

August 26, 2011 By

Source: The Norwalk Hour
http://www.thehour.com/story/510271

NORWALK — Hurricane Irene will bring large amounts of rain, sustained winds for a very long period of time, and the prospect of the Merritt and Wilbur Cross parkways being closed to traffic starting at midnight Saturday, according to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

At noon Friday, Malloy outlined preparations being made in advance of Irene’s anticipated arrival in Connecticut late Saturday.

“What we are anticipating is tremendous tree damage and wind damage, and I would also warn you that we are also anticipating, based on current conditions, is the large-scale loss of electricity across the state and not just for a few hours, days and weeks,” said Malloy in a press conference at noon to address the approaching storm. “Of course, we are prepared to move populations should that be necessary.”

On Thursday, Malloy signed a Declaration of Emergency Order, authorizing him to order evacuations as needed to protect residents from the storm.

While no evacuations have been ordered yet in Connecticut, Malloy urged residents to use the time between now and midnight Saturday to prepare for Irene, and for those who live in low-lying areas that have flooded before to take extra precautions and get out if necessary.

“We are absolutely, 100 percent urging any citizen who has ever experienced flooding, in any part of the state previously, to take the steps necessary to vacate those circumstances by 12 o’clock midnight Saturday night,” Malloy said. “And that may move to an earlier hour if this storm moves more quickly.”

According to Malloy, there is a likelihood that the Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway will be closed Saturday at midnight due to the threat posed by the storm winds to the many trees along both roadways.

Malloy said that while the Irene’s winds have dropped slightly — to about 110 mph on Friday morning — the barometric pressure at the center of the storm is also dropping, leaving the possibility of the hurricane “recovering higher category status within an hour.”

The governor said officials are preparing for surges in the four to five-foot range.

Filed Under: Alerts

Hurricane Watch In Effect For Stamford

August 26, 2011 By

… DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE TO IMPACT THE REGION SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY NIGHT…

.NEW INFORMATION… A HURRICANE WATCH AND A TROPICAL STORM WATCH HAVE NOW BEEN ISSUED.

.AREAS AFFECTED… THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK… NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY… SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT AND ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS… A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS… NORTHERN FAIRFIELD… NORTHERN NEW HAVEN… NORTHERN MIDDLESEX… NORTHERN NEW LONDON… SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD… SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN… SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX… SOUTHERN NEW LONDON… EASTERN PASSAIC… HUDSON… WESTERN BERGEN… EASTERN BERGEN… WESTERN ESSEX… EASTERN ESSEX… WESTERN UNION… EASTERN UNION… PUTNAM… ROCKLAND… NORTHERN WESTCHESTER… SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER… NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)… BRONX… RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)… KINGS (BROOKLYN)… NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK… NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK… SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK… SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK… NORTHERN QUEENS… NORTHERN NASSAU… SOUTHERN QUEENS AND SOUTHERN NASSAU.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS… A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF LONG ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT COASTAL WATERS AND NEW YORK HARBOR.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS… WESTERN PASSAIC… ORANGE.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED AREAS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE SPECIFIED AREAS.

ALL PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREAS SHOULD REVIEW THEIR PREPAREDNESS PLAN AND BE READY TO IMPLEMENT IT SHOULD A WARNING BE ISSUED FOR THEIR AREA.

IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS… BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL CYCLONE EVENTS.

A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK… NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT. PLEASE LISTEN CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR AREA.

PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST PUBLIC AND MARINE FORECASTS FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT ADDITIONAL HAZARDS.

.STORM INFORMATION… AT 5 AM EDT… THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 29.3N… LONGITUDE 77.2W. THIS WAS ABOUT 810 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF NEW YORK CITY NY… OR ABOUT 860 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF MONTAUK POINT NY. STORM MOTION WAS N OR 360 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 110 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW… A HURRICANE WATCH AND A TROPICAL STORM WATCH HAVE NOW BEEN ISSUED. A MORE DETAILED STATEMENT WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH OR WARNING… NOW IS THE TIME TO INITIATE PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR HURRICANE DISASTER PLAN SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.

FOR THOSE NEARBY… REVIEW YOUR HURRICANE DISASTER PLAN AND BECOME READY TO ACT IF A WATCH OR A WARNING IS LATER ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACTIVELY LISTEN FOR FORTHCOMING INFORMATION FROM YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY.

MARINERS ARE URGED TO MAKE ALL NECESSARY PREPARATIONS TO RETURN TO PORT… SEEK SAFE HARBOR… AND SECURE THEIR CRAFT. NOW IS THE TIME TO INITIATE PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN FOR TROPICAL SYSTEMS. MONITOR WEATHER BROADCASTS FOR CHANGES TO THE LATEST FORECAST AND LISTEN FOR FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS.

&&

.NEXT UPDATE… THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON SHORTLY. IT WILL PROVIDE IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING THE EVOLVING TROPICAL CYCLONE THREATS AND THEIR POTENTIAL IMPACTS UPON THE AREA.

Filed Under: Alerts

City firefighters gear up for World Police and Fire Games

August 26, 2011 By

THE STAMFORD ADVOCATE — The burn begins around the 10th story.

That’s usually when the lactic acid hits the leg muscles of the four city firefighters who make up the Stamford Fire & Rescue Department stair-climbing team. After that it’s all willpower, for 20 or sometimes 40 more stories, the firefighters say.

Stair climbing is a grueling and little-known sport, or as some of the firefighters describe it, a functional exercise. Stamford Fire & Rescue firefighters Erik Abrahamson, Scott Avalos, Alan Hagander and Jimmy Tarzia take it seriously.

For the past six months they’ve used the 36 stories of Trump Parc, the city’s tallest building, as a training ground for this weekend’s 2011 World Police and Fire Games in New York City.

Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/City-firefighters-gear-up-for-World-Police-and-2141784.php#ixzz1W69ZYAVu

Filed Under: Featured, In The News

2003 Swift Water Training Session

August 26, 2011 By

These pictures were taken during a Swift Water Training Drill conducted by the Training Divison and the Rescue Company of the Stamford Fire & Rescue Department

Filed Under: Photo Gallery

What To Do Before, During and After A Hurricane

August 24, 2011 By

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

  • Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Consider building a safe room.

Evacuation Plans

When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.

The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

Evacuation: More Common than You Realize

Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see if maps may are available with evacuation routes marked.

Evacuation Guidelines

Always: If time permits:
Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. Gather your disaster supplies kit.
Make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government if you do
not own a car.		 Wear sturdy shoes and clothing
that provides some protection,
such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions. Secure your home:Close and lock doors and windows.Unplug electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding.
Gather your family and go if you are in- structed to evacuate immediately. Let others know where you are going.
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas.
Stay away from downed power lines.

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to the radio or TV for information.
  • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  • Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
  • Moor your boat if time permits.
  • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

  • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
  • If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
  • If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  • Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Filed Under: Featured

Stamford Fire Fighter’s Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit

May 3, 2011 By

Stamford Fire Fighters in conjunction with The Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital will be hosting a “Paint the Town Pink” benefit to support breast cancer research.

Saturday, May 7, 2011
from 3-7 PM
at Tiernan’s Pub and Restaurant
located at 187 Main Street in downtown Stamford.

There will be a live DJ, raffle, prizes, 50/50 and open bar. This is a great cause and all proceeds will go directly towards early detection, free mamograms, and cancer research.

Please join Stamford Fire Fighters on Saturday, May 7 from 3-7 PM at Tiernan’s Pub and help us paint the town pink in support of breast cancer awareness and the road to a cure!

Filed Under: Featured, In The News
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