Batten Down The Hatches, Branford, As Winter Storm Approaches

BRANFORD, CT — Hopefully it won't live up to the hype, but all hands on deck just in case. And be careful out there.

The town sent a community alert with a lot of important storm-related information.

And while the heaviest snowfall will likely be overnight into Thursday morning, "All residents should begin emergency preparations for heavy snowfall, severe winds and minor coastal flooding. Snowfall totals could be up to 15 inches, and we can also expect gusty winds and blowing/drifting of snow, which may cause low visibility. In addition, power outages are also possible," the message from First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove reads.

The Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the situation closely.

· Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.

· All curbside collection of trash and recycling will be delayed one day for the reminder of the week. The Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, December 17.

· Drivers are advised to stay off the roads unless their travel is necessary.

· Prepare for possible power outages, make sure cell phone batteries are charged.

· Residents should avoid parking in the roadway. The Town’s ordinance prohibits parking on the even side of the roadway during and for 24 hours after the snowfall.

· Be sure to clear snow from the area where furnaces, hot water heaters, clothes dryers and other appliances vent outside the building. Should your Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm activate please evacuate the building and call 911.

· In addition, it is the responsibility of the owner, tenant, occupant or any person having the care of any land or building adjoining any sidewalk to clear the sidewalk of all ice and snow following the storm.

· It is also a violation of town ordinance to deposit snow from private driveways into the roadway and homeowners are responsible for violations committed by their private plowing contractors.