[UPDATED 12:30PM] E.O. Smith to Serve as Regional Shelter in Response to Hurricane Sandy

Updated Wednesday, Oct. 31, 12:30 p.m.:

The E.O. Smith Regional High School regional shelter will close Wednesday at 8 p.m. Those who are still in need of an overnight shelter will be directed by American Red Cross staff to other open shelters in Connecticut.

The Town of Mansfield will continue to operate as a feeding/respite center at the Mansfield Community Center. The Community Center will be staffed by the Red Cross, with help from local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and town staff during normal Center hours. Bottled water will also be made available for those who are still without electricity.

Updated Wednesday, Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m.:

The E.O. Smith Regional High School (pet friendly) Regional American Red Cross Overnight Shelter will serve lunch and dinner Wednesday. The town is currently evaluating shelter needs and will make a decision later today on whether or not the shelter will be open Wednesday night.

Original Story:

E.O. Smith Regional High School will serve as a (pet friendly) Regional American Red Cross Overnight Shelter Tuesday, Oct. 30 beginning at 3 p.m.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served.

If you plan to utilize the shelter, the Red Cross suggests you bring the following items:

• Pillows, bedding, sleeping bag or mat

• Any prescriptions or maintenance medications you need on a regular basis

• Toiletries and a change of clothes

• Pet carrier, leash, and pet food for your pet

The Mansfield Community Center is currently serving as a respite center as of 5:30 this morning.

Residents may utilize the facility's showers and charging stations, and stop in for a sandwich, coffee and water.

Potable water stations are set up outside the Center and Town Hall.