Greenwich Prepares For Heavy Snow: Here's What They're Doing

GREENWICH, CT — Earlier in the day, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen announced a snow emergency would go into effect at 5 p.m. on Wednesday as the town braces for the winter's first major storm.

During a news conference late Wednesday afternoon, First Selectman Fred Camillo said the storm was "no joke" and emphasized the weather was estimated to be at its most intense between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. the next morning. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"If you're out there working today...try and get home at a decent hour," Camillo said, "earlier in the evening if you can."

He also asked that residents check in with family members, friends and neighbors who may feel vulnerable during the storm.

"Please just check on them," Camillo said. "I can't stress that enough. Check on people who may have some underlying health issues, who may live alone, who may be elderly; please, please check on them."

See also: Greenwich Declares Snow Emergency: Board Of Selectmen

• Snow Day Announced For Greenwich Public Schools

While the storm is expected to bring a larger than normal amount of snow to the area, Camillo said the town's protocols for preparing for the forecasted weather remained the same as usual.

"The first storm of the year always sets people off a little bit more, because you’re not used to it," Camillo said. "You're out of the habit. Plus, last year we didn't really have that much snow. It's been quite a while since we've had a storm like this, so it's heightened a little bit."

He also noted stress about the storm may be even further heightened due to this being the first true snowstorm expected to hit the area since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis in March.

"Even with all the good news on the pandemic front, we're still in it," Camillo said, "so I think it's heightened people's anxieties a little bit. We're aware of that, so we put out a reverse 911 call this morning. We're updating the [town] website constantly...we're just making sure people are aware."

In light of the virus, Camillo said Department of Public Works employees will likely "be in their trucks more" as opposed to the department's sheds, and they will need to make sure everything is properly cleaned out and sanitized.

"You're going the extra mile now to make sure that things and surfaces are free from any type of virus or any other germs," Camillo said.

DPW Commissioner Amy Siebert said Wednesday afternoon the department's staff and equipment were "ready to go" ahead of the snow.

"The tongue-in-cheek advice we offer annually is to stay home and enjoy the storm from inside, go sledding or otherwise play in the snow," Siebert said. "Keeping cars off the road allows plow drivers to more effectively do their work. Breaking down, having an accident and needing to go to the hospital or otherwise getting stuck out on the road is never fun, and much less so if we think about the current environment: snow, cold and a pandemic."

She also encouraged residents to stay safe by giving plow drivers a break as they do their work and being careful at home.

"We can forget how much effort is involved in shoveling our own driveways and walks," Siebert said.

As residents shovel their property this week, Camillo asked that everyone take special notice of fire hydrants near their homes.

"Shovel not only your own driveways and sidewalk, but also the sidewalks in front of your house and around fire hydrants," Camillo said. "It could be lifesaving."

Capt. Mark Zuccerella said the police department was prepared for the snowstorm like any other storm that hits the town.

"We have extra people on duty, bring in extra dispatchers, make sure the vehicles are equipped and plan for other contingencies," Zuccerella said, "as well as planning for the days after the storm during the clean up process."

According to Zuccerella, the town's past snow storms have given the department insight on what officers need to do to be able to perform their public safety function in all types of inclement weather.

"We have experienced officers who lived through a few storms to know what is expected," Zuccerella said. "Their experience is passed down to the younger officers and helps with the planning."

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