Governor Rell: State to Open 5 Armories

For Use as Shelter During Frigid Weather

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the state is opening five National Guard armories around the state to accommodate the increase in people needing shelter during the frigid weather this week.

The armories are among 10 around the state that are certified by the Red Cross to be used as a shelters or warming centers. Governor Rell said the decision to open them was made after a conference call this afternoon with representatives of the 45 state-funded shelters who indicated that nearby shelters were at or near capacity.

“The welfare of all our citizens require that we work closely together to ensure that everyone who needs shelter this week will not be turned away,” Governor Rell said. “We will continue to monitor shelter capacity statewide several times a day and take prompt action to open other shelters if necessary.”

The five armories are:

·        Hartford Armory - 360 Broad Street

·        New London - 249 Bayonet Street

·        Waterbury - 64 Field Street

·        Stratford - 63 Armory Road

·        Branford - 87 Montowese Street

Governor Rell said the armories will be staffed by National Guard and the Red Cross. They will be open from 8 p.m. tonight until 10 a.m.

Commissioner James Thomas of the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has requested that local police chiefs allow their departments to make transportation accommodations for anyone needing shelter.

Cold arctic air, bringing single digit temperatures and sub-zero wind chills, is expected to linger into the weekend.

For a list of shelter availability in local areas, call the statewide free information line 2-1-1.