First Selectman Stevenson: Expect Widespread, Enduring Outages

An announcement from the First Selectman’s Office (Darien Patch has been told that it went out as a Code Red message by phone to Darien residents):

A Blizzard Warning is in effect for the State of Connecticut through Tuesday evening. The storm is predicted to bring high winds gusting to 60 mph on our coastline, snow accumulations of 20-30” and coastal flooding at high tide.

Blizzard conditions will make visibility very poor. Governor Malloy has issued a travel ban for all roads beginning at 9pm this evening. The Town of Darien has partially activated our Emergency Operations Center and all Emergency personnel are prepared and standing ready.

We are anticipating widespread and long duration power outages. Utility crews are prohibited from responding during high winds. Please be prepared to shelter at home during any power outages. Call CL&P, not the Darien Police Department to report outages.

The CL&P call number is 1-800-286-2000.

Please do not call 911 for routine storm questions as these lines must remain open for emergency communications.

The Police Department routine number is 662-5300.

The Department of Public Works will be working around the clock to clear our roads. Blizzard conditions make that work dangerous for plow drivers and pedestrians. Please stay away from roadways and on coming plows. We recommend waiting for eight hours after the snow event ends before shoveling sidewalks as town and state plows will move snow onto sidewalks.

Predicted accumulations will significantly reduce visibility in intersections. Please use caution whether in a vehicle or on foot. Do not walk in roadways as plows are clearing the streets and caution children to keep away from roadways at all times. Significant accumulations also can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if boiler and generator vents become obstructed.

Please clear around vents periodically during the storm. Darien Volunteer Firefighters will be out clearing around hydrants. If you live near a hydrant, please help our volunteers by clearing the hydrant if you are able. I will communicate as needed through the storm. Stay home, stay safe and check in on vulnerable neighbors.