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FAIRFIELD, Conn.Hurricane Irene might still be more than 24 hours away, but many Fairfield groups arent taking chances. Interim First Selectman Michael Tetreau officially declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon, and ordered mandatory evacuations to begin Saturday afternoon.
All residents in the Fairfield Beach area and those who have experienced flooding in the past may begin voluntary evacuations immediately. Mandatory evacuations for all areas south of Edward Street will begin at noon. Tetreau suggests making plans to be completely evacuated by 4 p.m. Saturday. Evacuees can report to the towns shelter at Fairfield Ludlowe High School starting at noon Saturday.
Fairfields roads will be closed to all but limited traffic starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. The Police expect the roads to begin to clear no earlier than 4 p.m. Sunday.
The Emergency Communications Center asks that residents limit 911 calls to only true emergencies. Fairfielders can call 203-259-4899 for general storm information. Police ask that residents wait to report property damage until Tuesday.
Heres a list of other locations that have already announced closures for the weekend:
? All town facilities, including parks, libraries and Town Halls, will be closed Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. Libraries and the town halls will stay closed Monday as well.
? The Fairfield Museum and History Center will be closed all day, and its tours of the Ogden House are cancelled.
? All swimming areas at Fairfields public beaches are already closed, and will remain off-limits until further notice.
? Fairfield University changed its orientation and move-in day from Sunday to Tuesday.
? The University of Bridgeport has cancelled its classes for Monday, and also shifted its move-in day from Sunday to Tuesday.
? Sacred Heart University changed its early arrival date to either Saturday or Monday.
? Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport will be closed Sunday.
? Fairfield Prep has cancelled classes for Monday.
Keep checking The Daily Fairfield for the latest news on Hurricane Irene.
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