Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim has declared a snow emergency ahead of today's winter storm.

The snow emergency went into effect at 8 a.m.

With the emergency in effect, residents cannot park on snow emergency streets because that will ensure that plows can clear those streets. Those streets have signs that are white with red letters.

Since today is the Dec. 16, an even-numbered day, residents can park their cars on an even-numbered side of the street. This has to be done by this afternoon.

Cars still parked on snow emergency streets or on the alternate side of the road after the ban takes effect could be towed.

If parking on your street isn't available, you can park in your district's school parking lot or at the Health Department at 752 East Main St.

Residents are also being asked not forget to clear the snow from the sidewalk in front of their homes or apartment buildings.

Officials are also asking residents to "adopt a hydrant" by removing the snow around fire hydrants in their neighborhoods in case of a fire or other emergencies.

During the storm, residents may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-579-3829 with any snow related emergencies.

If residents suffer a loss of electricity, call the United Illuminating customer hotline at 800-722-5584 or 203-579-3829. Both numbers are for 24-hour emergency service.

For any immediate danger to life and health issues, residents should call 911.