BRIDGEPORT, CT (August 27, 2011) –Following a briefing with City Officials at the Emergency Operations Center on Saturday and upon conferring with State officials, Mayor Bill Finch announced a Mandatory Evacuation for all residents living in low-lying areas as the path as of 4 p.m. EST.

“It is of the utmost importance that everyone living in the low-lying areas evacuate to higher ground immediately,” said Mayor Finch.

At 9 a.m. Saturday morning, the City utilized Reverse 911 to inform residents of an officially recommended evacuation.

At 12 p.m. members of Bridgeport Police and Fire Departments and other City staff went door-to-door in neighborhoods of concerns urging residents to evacuate. Additionally, Bridgeport Housing Authority, starting Friday, knocked on the doors of those living in P.T. Barnum Apartments and Marina Village, informing residents of the officially recommended evacuation.

At 4 p.m., after conferring with State officials the City of Bridgeport officially announced a Mandatory Evacuation for residents in low-lying areas. The City will deploy additional resources to assist in the evacuation efforts until 11 p.m.

As the City announced yesterday, Bassick High School, 1181 Fairfield Ave., and Harding High School, 1734 Central Ave., were opened for shelters at 12 noon on Saturday. Central High School has been added to available shelters for residents and will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Transportation to all shelters is being provided by the Greater Bridgeport Transportation Authority. Residents who are able to drive, are asked not to drive to Bassick and Harding. Parking for the shelters will be provided at the following locations:

JFK Campus, 700 Palisade Avenue for those staying at the Bassick Shelter
The parking lot of the former grocery store location at Park and North Avenues
Parking is permitted at Central High School

Those who are planning on staying in the shelter should pack a blanket, pillow, medication, personal identification, and snacks. Pets are allowed at all shelters.