Nearly A Dozen Crashes Reported In Fairfield Tuesday: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT ? With Tuesday's snow storm winding down, Fairfield police reported 11 motor vehicle crashes by 4:30 p.m., with two involving vehicles hitting utility poles, according to Sgt. Michael Stahl.

No significant injuries were reported in the crashes, but police officers also reported several instances of vehicles stuck on various roads in town during the height of the snowfall.

Town Hall was closed on Tuesday, and classes were canceled in anticipation of the storm.

"The Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are actively engaged in clearing and treating roadways to improve conditions," Stahl wrote in a statement. "For the safety of our residents, we strongly advise avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary. Staying off the roads not only ensures personal safety but also facilitates the efforts of crews working to enhance road conditions along with ensuring the safety of emergency personnel."

From Stahl's announcement:

Weather Forecast: Snowfall is forecast to begin tapering off from northwest to southeast between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, after which conditions are expected to gradually improve.

Coastal Flooding Forecast: Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible this afternoon with high tide at 1:49 PM.

Outdoor Activities: For those with children venturing out to sled or play, please dress warmly and be mindful of potential hazards.

The cooperation of the public greatly assists public safety personnel and public works in ensuring our roadways and community are safe.

We appreciate your efforts in sharing this information with the public and encourage everyone to stay indoors, stay warm, and prioritize safety.

Fairfield?s Emergency Management Team has also made additional Winter Storm safety tips available here:

https://fairfieldct.org/service/public_safety/winter_storms.php

Additionally, Stahl also offered the following tips for dealing with the storm's aftermath:

Post-Snow Safety Tips: Now that the snow has ended and roadways are mostly clear, here are some essential tips to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents:

1. Clear Sidewalks: Please clear snow from sidewalks in front of your property to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
2. Hydrant Clearance: Assist the Fire Department by clearing snow around fire hydrants, enabling quick access in case of emergencies.
3. Vehicle Preparation: Before driving, remove all snow and ice from your vehicles to ensure clear visibility and prevent hazards to others on the road.
4. Roadway Caution: Exercise caution on roadways as contractors, DPW, and DOT continue to clear snow. Be mindful of plows and people, allowing them ample space to carry out their tasks safely.
5. Snow Removal Safety: When shoveling, lift with your legs, not your back, to prevent injuries. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. If using snowblowers, follow safety guidelines and keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
6. Sledding Safety: If engaging in sledding activities, choose designated areas, avoid crowded locations, and use proper equipment. Dress warmly and be aware of potential hazards.
7. Cold Weather: When playing in cold weather, dress in layers to stay warm, and be mindful of frostbite and hypothermia risks. Stay hydrated, and take breaks indoors when needed.

"The cooperation of the public greatly assists public safety personnel and public works in ensuring our community's safety," Stahl said.