2023-08-05@6:40pm–#Westport, CT–A motorcyclist lost his life after a collision with a car on I-95 northbound between exit 17 and 18. The accident occurred on a Saturday morning when the 35-year-old motorcyclist, Frank Brown of Waterbury, hit the back of the car in front of him. He was taken to the hospital with critical injuries and, unfortunately, was pronounced dead later on. The occupants of the other car did not sustain any injuries in the incident. No charges have been filed at this time.
Category: Westport
Westport News: House Fire
2023-08-04@9:59pm Westport News: House Fire
Firefighters quickly extinguish a fire on Warnock Drive
Bobcat Sightings Surge in Westport
Bobcat sightings have been on the rise in Westport over the past few years, and the
presence of these cats has received renewed attention due to high-profile social media posts in recent
weeks. It is not surprising that these cats are cropping up in Westport since the cats have been
actively recolonizing this part of Fairfield Country over the past 10-15 years.
Bobcats are generally unobtrusive neighbors. They are very focused on finding prey, which
primarily consists of rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits. The cats will also
prey upon young or infirm deer. Bobcats avoid conflict with humans and pets, but could pose a
threat to small, unattended dogs, particularly if the dog were to chase the cat.
Our overall recommendation for pet owners is to provide close supervision of small pets. This
directive is primarily to address the potential threat from coyotes. As we know, dogs smaller than
35-40 pounds can be at risk from coyotes, particularly if the dog is older. Bobcats generally retreat
from encounters with dogs, but there is potential for a dangerous encounter if the cat is cornered.
Westport Animal Control has been receiving a higher volume of calls regarding coyote and bobcat
sightings in the last few weeks. This is a typical seasonal pattern. As we enter late summer, parent
coyotes and bobcats are leaving their denning areas. Several citizens have seen bobcat kittens and
coyote pups playing in their yards. These juvenile animals pose no threat to humans, and they will
gradually become more wary of people as they get older.
Any time you see a coyote or bobcat in your yard, it is advisable to keep your pets indoors for a few
hours, and then walk the dog on a lead when going out. Bobcats and Coyotes are typically covering a
fair amount of ground each day, and they will move on quickly.
The same hazing strategies used for coyotes (high-decibel Storm whistle or air-horn) are effective
for bobcats. If you are concerned about frequent sightings, or would like more information, feel free
to contact Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076.
Westport Cooling
PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT OVER NEXT SEVERAL DAYS
(WESTPORT)— The Westport Office of Emergency Management is advising residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning Wednesday, July 26th at 8:00am. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for most of the state through Sunday, July 30th at 8:00am.
Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat is encouraged to visit their nearest cooling center. The following cooling centers are open in Westport:
Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue
Mon- Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike
Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road
Tues – Thurs 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane
Tues – Fri 5:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sat-Sun 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place
Tues – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
“As the temperature increases over the next few days, it’s important for everyone to take necessary precautions, especially for the elderly, the very young, and people with respiratory ailments who are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures,” said Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
- Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
- People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
- People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
- People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Stay cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening.
- Find an air-conditioned shelter. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat
- Drink more water than usual.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
- Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Remind others to drink enough water.
Westport News: I-95 Crash
2023-07-22@5:10pm
Westport News: I-95 Crash
A box truck has reportedly crash into the construction zone on I-95 southbound at exit 17
Westport Heat Alert
Westport Fire is alerting the public of the challenging weather conditions expected for the upcoming days. Summertime heat and humidity, combined with smoke from the Canadian wildfires, will create discomfort for our community. Highs are forecasted to exceed 90°F each day, with potential impacts on air quality for vulnerable populations.
Today and Thursday will be the hottest days, with temperatures in the low 90s and a heat index in the mid-90s. Friday will see slight improvement, with temperatures in the upper 80s and a heat index in the low 90s. Acting Fire Chief Nick Marsan emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions during this extreme weather period. “With high heat, humidity, and smoky air, it is crucial that everyone protects themselves and loved ones. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities,” explained Marsan.
Individuals should recognize signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Children, adults 65 and older, those without access to air conditioning, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable.
Tips to stay healthy and comfortable during high heat and humidity:
1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Avoid excessive caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
2. Seek shade and limit outdoor activities: Take breaks, pace yourself, and stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
3. Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Check on vulnerable individuals: Monitor the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions. Ensure access to a cool environment.
The Governor has activated an extreme hot weather protocol for our area. “We want to remind everyone – particularly those in the most vulnerable communities – that cooling centers are available and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org” Governor Lamont said.
Cooling Centers for those in need:
Westport Weston YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane
5:30am – 9:00pm 7/5, 7/6, 7/7
Cooling Center and showers
MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike
12:00pm – 4:00pm 7/6, 7/7
Free entry
Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue
8:30am – 4:30pm 7/5, 7/6, 7/7
The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road
9:00am – 9:00pm 7/5, 7/6, 7/7
Traffic Advisory – Great Duck Race and Westport Sidewalk Sale
The Westport Sunrise Rotary will be holding their annual Great Duck Race event on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The event’s footprint will encompass Jesup Green as well as the Taylor Municipal Parking Lot. In order to accommodate for the set-up of the various activities associated with the event, please be advised that the municipal lot will be completely closed to the public beginning on the evening of Friday, June 23, and will re-open on the afternoon of Saturday, June 24. The weekend will also feature a sidewalk sale in the downtown area, scheduled to run from Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25. Many local merchants are expected to participate in this event. With the additional limitations on parking due to the Duck Race event, motorists should expect increased pedestrian traffic as well as traffic delays in the downtown area throughout the day. Attendees are additionally reminded to use the marked crosswalks in the area when visiting these events.
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I-95 Crash
2023-06-01@11:47am–#Westport CT–#cttraffic– A crash with injuries reported on I-95 northbound between exits 18 and 19.
Westport News: Red Flag Warning
WESTPORT, CT – Effective immediately, Westport Fire Marshal/Open Burning Official
Terrence Dunn has banned all outside burning until further notice due to extremely dry
conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the entire state.
Fire Marshal Dunn said, “This ban includes all recreational campfires and fire pits. Please
recognize that brush fires will spread rapidly possibly threatening homes and property. Do not try to self-extinguish and call 911 immediately.”
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
This press release was made possible by:
Westport News: Theft of Tobacco Products
#Westport CT– On February 2 nd, 2022 at approximately 4:40 am, an officer on routine patrol discovered a forced entry burglary at Riverside Sunoco (240 Riverside Ave). Further investigation revealed that the glass in the front door was smashed, and entry was gained. Tobacco products appeared to be the target of the burglary as vaping devices and cigarettes were the majority of items stolen. The total loss reported by the victim was approximately $3,600. The investigation was turned over to the Detective Bureau. The investigating detective processed the scene to include DNA swabs of evidence left on the scene. Recovered in Bridgeport on February 16 th 2023 was a stolen vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle seen on surveillance at the burglary. A search of that vehicle uncovered items stolen from the burglary. Using surveillance footage and DNA evidence, Thomas Moccaie was developed as a suspect who allegedly committed the burglary.
A warrant was issued and on May 1st, Mr. Moccaie was arrested at Stamford Superior Court and charged with the above crimes. He was held on a court-set bond of 50,000.
This press release was made possible by:
