Month: January 2022

GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTIVATES STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, IMPLEMENTS TRACTOR TRAILER BAN AHEAD OF SEVERE WINTER STORM

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as a severe winter storm with blizzard conditions is anticipated to impact Connecticut, he is implementing a travel ban on tractor trailers for all limited access highways statewide effective at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, and remaining in effect until further notice. The tractor trailer travel ban is being implemented in coordination with neighboring states that are also anticipating severe conditions.

Additionally, under the governor’s direction, the Connecticut State Emergency Operations Center will be activated at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, and staffed virtually and/or in person with personnel from several state agencies, such as the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (including the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the State Police, and the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control), the Department of Transportation, and the Connecticut National Guard, as well as liaisons from Eversource and United Illuminating. The State Emergency Operations Center has already been activating in a virtual capacity to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Forecasts are projecting blizzard conditions for much of Connecticut on Saturday, with snowfall amounts currently expected to reach 12 to 18 inches in the western portion of the state and going up to 18 to 24 inches in eastern portions, particularly near the Rhode Island border.

At times, snowfall will be extremely heavy with rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour expected, causing whiteout conditions that will make visibility very limited. Governor Lamont is advising everyone in Connecticut to anticipate sheltering in place beginning Friday night through Saturday evening. He is encouraging everyone to avoid all unnecessary travel throughout the duration of storm.

“The forecast right now is projecting blizzard conditions for a significant portion of the state on Saturday, which is why I am urging everyone statewide to plan to shelter in place beginning Friday night and remaining there throughout the day on Saturday until the storm is over,” Governor Lamont said. “At times, snowfall rates will reach whiteout conditions, making visibility extremely limited, and when this happens, we cannot safely send plows to clear the roads for the safety of the drivers and anyone else in their vicinity. During the height of the storm, travel will be treacherous, and we are strongly urging everyone to remain off the roads to the greatest extent possible.”

Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation have been preparing in advance of the storm. The state has 634 plow trucks, 18 industrial loader-mounted snow blowers, and more than 100 front-end loaders that are prepared for deployment, in addition to roughly 200 contractors that are on standby and ready to supplement the state plowing fleet.

The New Haven Line will operate a storm schedule (Metro-North schedule Z), while all other bus and rail services statewide are suspended on Saturday. The last trains and buses will run as scheduled on Friday.

“The Connecticut Department of Transportation is geared up and ready to go,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “All equipment, vehicles, and crews are at the ready, and our storm center is monitoring the weather forecast and conditions closely. Although this is a changing storm, we are urging the public to stay home and off the roads. Let our crews work. And as always, if you must be out, use extreme caution and do not pass the plow. With our staffing shortages, we’re asking for patience, it will take longer to clear our routes and keep up with accumulating snow.”

While it is encouraged to avoid driving during the storm if at all possible, motorists can check www.cttravelsmart.org for the latest road updates and alerts before traveling.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

This press release was made possible by:

https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Bridgeport Prepares for Storm Predicted to Bring 12”-18” of Snowfall

Bridgeport, CT – In anticipation of the pending snowfall due to impact Bridgeport, Mayor Ganim announces the declaration of a Snow Emergency in effect as of 4:00pm today, Friday January 28, 2022. Residents are directed to park on the EVEN side of the street, and not to park on Emergency routes.
Bridgeport officials also encourage residents to remain at home for their own safety during the storm and to allow passage for Emergency and First Responders, as well the City Public Facilities crews to efficiently pre-treat the streets and then plow as snow impacts the city. As forecasted by the National Weather Service, the city anticipates snowfall to begin around 8PM this evening with the peak of the storm, with highest snowfall rates around 7AM-12PM tomorrow, Saturday, January 29th. Cloudy, wind chill values in the teens, and gusts as high as 28 mph. DPF is properly prepared with a crew of 50 plow vehicles as well as independent contractors to assist with clearing the roads and any downed trees.


For snow plowing issues, call 203-576-7130 or preferably, residents may use the city’s mobile app Bridgeport 311 – any time of day or night. Plowing Operations in Bridgeport are prioritized to clear major travel routes first. This allows public safety vehicles and first responders access to most parts of the City. The initial plowing activities also provide most residents a clearing within two-to-three blocks of their home and most destinations in the City. Other factors include locations of hospitals, schools, major commercial centers and other facilities with large public interest.


Parking During the snow emergency, residents must move their cars off posted snow emergency streets. A list of snow streets can be found on the City’s website by clicking here or the full link: http://www.bridgeportct.gov/content/341307/341423/342861/342870.aspx.
Additionally, snow emergency streets are marked with white signs with red lettering. Residents to move their vehicle to the EVEN side as of 4:00pm, today, Friday, January 28th in order to clear city passages. Move your vehicle to the side of the street with addresses that are EVEN numbers that is now clear of snow. Owners of vehicles that do not comply with the parking ban on emergency streets or alternate side of street parking will have their vehicle towed and incur a minimum $130 towing fee. Towing will begin at 6:00pm this evening. Snow Emergency Parking Lots – In the event that parking is not available for residents,

Snow Emergency Parking Lots are open to the public: 752 East Main Street 378 East Main Street 2909 Fairfield Avenue 3455 Madison Avenue 250 Hollister, Jettie Tisdale School 1 Lincoln Boulevard, Central High School 606 Howard Avenue, Cesar Batalla School Sidewalks – Do not begin shoveling your sidewalks until street plowing is complete. Commercial and/or residential owners who push snow into the streets or do not clear snow on the sidewalks in front of their buildings are subject to a $100.00 fine per ordinance for each incident.


Adopt a Hydrant – residents are encouraged to clear snow and make a path to a fire hydrant in their neighborhood to assist the Bridgeport Fire Department in case of fire or other emergency. Snow Related Emergencies Residents may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-579-3829 with any snow related emergencies. Residents can also call the Public Facilities snow emergency hotline at 203-576-7130 and 203-576-7124.

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. Immediate danger to life and health issues call 9-1-1. CLOSURES Transfer Station – Closed Saturday, January 29,


2022 Golf Course – Still closed due to snow and ice covering and will re-open weather permitting TBD Closed Saturday and Sunday. Parks will re-open Monday January 31, 2022 weather permitting. COVID Testing Clinic at North Branch Library – Closed January 29th COVID Testing Clinic at East Main Street Clinic – Closed January 29th City of

Bridgeport Tax Collector – Closed Saturday, January 29th Operation Care – to help protect the homeless population from unsafe temperatures, please call 2-1-1.

Homeless Outreach Team has continued to work with Prospect House and Operation Hope to connect the homeless population with shelter. City officials prompted the emergency activation of the YMCA at 650 Park Avenue, which will remain open for those in need.

This press release was made possible by:

Eversource Preparing for Powerful Weekend Snowstorm

Eversource Preparing for Powerful Weekend SnowstormEnergy company prestaging crews in advance of heavy snowfalland high winds; encouraging customers to also prepare 
BERLIN, Conn. (January 27, 2022) – With the track of this weekend’s powerful snowstorm still uncertain, Eversource is preparing for whatever the storm may bring. The heavy snowfall and high winds expected late Friday night into Saturday can bring down trees or tree limbs onto electric lines and equipment causing power outages. In advance of the storm, the energy company is strategically prepositioning equipment and line and tree crews across the state – including hundreds of additional out-of-state crews – so they’re ready to respond quickly and safely to any storm-related outages. 
“We’ve had a close eye on this storm since the beginning of the week and continue to carefully track its path using several weather services and storm models,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “This storm has been tough to track, and we aren’t leaving anything to chance. We have hundreds of crews flying in throughout the day today – and more arriving tomorrow – from southern and western parts of the country, so we don’t have to wait for them to drive here. They’ll be geared up and ready to respond to this storm alongside our Eversource crews. We also remind customers that restorations may take longer as we ensure the safety of our employees who will be responding in challenging road conditions.”
Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Be sure to report any outage online at Eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.  Customers are encouraged to prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and essentials and any needed medications. In addition, make sure cell phones and devices are full charged, create an emergency plan with family members and check on elderly neighbors and friends.
Additional preparedness tips can be found at Eversource.com. 
https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Shelton News: Serious Crash Discovered

State Police UPDATE:

On Thursday, January 27, 2022, the State Police began investigating a double fatal motor vehicle crash, reported on the Route 8 northbound on-ramp from Old Stratford Road (Exit 12) in Shelton. The involved vehicle was identified as a 2002 Honda Accord.

The vehicle occupants have been identified as:

Jose Rosario, DOB 07/13/1989, of 59 Price Street, Bridgeport, CT

Raul Calderon, DOB 04/15/1988, of 69 Harrison Road, North Branford, CT

The facts and circumstances surrounding this motor vehicle accident remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Central District Major Crimes at 860-706-5652 or the C.A.R.S. unit at 860-706-5653.

2022-010-27-@11:38am– #Shelton CT–#cttraffic– Emergency personnel received a call from a passerby that there was a car down the Route 8 northbound 12 on ramp with two people inside unresponsive. On radio speculation say it may have happened overnight and was just discovered by the passerby. The 12 on-ramp is closed for the investigation.

This like most of our news stories are NOT verified and with all breaking news the details and fact can and will probably change during the investigation.

https://youtu.be/rH3SU4oarkE

American Red Cross Has Safety Reminders Ahead of Winter Weather

  Connecticut is expecting some potential substantial winter weather Friday night into Saturday, with parts of the state expected to see significant heavy snow, strong winds and some possible coastal flooding. The American Red Cross wants to remind everyone to prepare in anticipation of the upcoming storm.

Below are some tips on preparing for a winter storm. We ask folks to keep this information handy to be prepared throughout the winter season. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO 

  • Assemble an emergency preparedness kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing for each family member. Sand or non-clumping cat litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and a supply of essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage. 
  • Protect pipes from freezing. 
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out. 
  • Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand. Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days, placing great demand on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.). 
  • Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers. 
  • Check on relatives, neighbors and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone. 

STAY SAFE OUTSIDE 

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards: 

  • Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat. 
  • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking. 
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. 
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body. 
  • Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury. 
  • Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia. 
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries. 
  • If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles. 

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY 

Stay off the road if possible during severe weather. If you must drive in winter weather, follow these tips: 

  • Keep in your vehicle: 
  • A windshield scraper and small broom. A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats. Matches in a waterproof container. A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna. 
  • An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing. 
  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing. 
  • Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. 
  • Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways. 
  • Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather. 
  • Don’t pass snow plows. 
  • Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways. 
  • If you become stranded: 
  • Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow. 
  • Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling. 
  • Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation. 
  • Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen. 

DOWNLOAD APPS People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps. 

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/ri, or visit us on Twitter at @CTRedCross. 

Norwalk News: Person Shot

Police UPDATE:

On January 26, 2022, at 10:18 p.m., Norwalk Combined Dispatch received multiple 911 calls
reporting that gun shots were heard in the area of West Cedar Street and Price Avenue. A
heavy response of police officers rushed to the area. A gunshot victim was located and
transported to Norwalk Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Shell casings were located in
the immediate area. The Detective Bureau responded to the scene and assumed the
investigation.
The victim has since been released from the hospital. This investigation is active at this time.
The Norwalk Police Department Investigative Division is asking anyone with information to
come forward and contact the lead investigator, Detective Lindsey Taylor, who can be reached
by telephone at 203-854-3183, or email at ltaylor@norwalkct.org. Anonymous information may
be provided in one of the three ways below.

Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NORWALKPD” into the text field,

followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)

2022-01-26@10:30pm–#Norwalk News: Receiving radio reports of a person being shot at Technology Plaza and West Cedar Street. Police are on scene establishing a crime scene, there are no further details at this time.

This news report is made possible by:

Exit mobile version