FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Heather Habelka, Office of the Mayor, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Participates in Emergency Management Call with Governor Rell
Stratford’s Emergency Operations Center Activated in Preparation for Single Digit Temperatures

Stratford, Conn. (January 14, 2009) – In preparation for the single digit temperatures forecasted for the upcoming weekend, Mayor James R. Miron participated in a conference call Tuesday morning with Governor M. Jodi Rell and today with her senior emergency management and homeland security officials, including Commissioner James M. Thomas.

The purpose of both conference calls was to discuss shelter preparations with the state’s Mayors and First Selectmen, Regional Emergency Management Coordinators, the Connecticut National Guard and the Red Cross.

Mayor Miron activated the Town of Stratford’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 1:39pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. A level three activation was implemented by the Mayor, which requires the setting up of the EOC, the briefing, meeting and planning of key personnel, and the continuous monitoring of the weather and other local conditions.

The Town has designated the Baldwin Center, located on 1000 West Broad Street as a “warming center.” During the hours of 8:30am and 4pm, people may use the Baldwin Center as a place to get and stay warm and obtain referrals for needed social services. After 4pm, people may go to the Stratford Police Department, 900 Longbrook Avenue, where they can request assistance and stay safe and warm. Residents are encouraged to call Connecticut Info Line "211", the main contact for information on heating and energy assistance and for an active list of shelters.

“The Town of Stratford is prepared to provide safe and heated warming centers and appropriate social services for those most in need and, in the event of a larger scale event such as a power outage or water main break, we are prepared to scale up our operation and open up the warming centers for overnight use for as long as needed” said Mayor Miron.

For more information and updates throughout the weekend, please call Connecticut Info Line "211", the main contact for information on heating and energy assistance and for an active list of shelters, the Stratford Police Department at 203.385.4100 or visit www.townofstratford.com