North Haven Public Works Preps for Storm

With one to three inches of snow expected to fall on North Haven this Saturday, the Public Works department is gearing up for what could be the first major storm of the year. 

According to PW Director Lynn Sadosky, staff have been alerted that emergency call-in's might be necessary over the weekend as the storm develops.

Additionally, the department has installed snow plows on many of its dump trucks and has loaded and tested salt spreaders on its vehicles for deicing Town roadways in case temperatures drop below freezing.  

While snow is expected, "it is difficult to say at this time how much and at what time on Saturday or Saturday afternoon the precipitation will change from rain to wet snow to snow," Sadosky said in an email. 

The Director also had recommendations for residents prior to the storm, commenting: "I would advise residents to visit the Town's Recycling Center on Elm Street to collect some (free) sand to place on their walkways and/or to purchase a salt product for deicing from a local hardware store for walkway applications."

"I would also suggest that during the storm residents stay indoors and off the roadways as much as possible," she added. "This will allow the Town's plows and emergency response personnel a clear path for travel and response should they be out conducting their routine or emergency business."

Public Works identified the Muddy River, the Quinnipiac River and Waterman's Brook as areas prone to flooding in the case of heavy accumulation. The Department noted that they will be closely monitoring all three sites during and after the storm. 

At this time, building collapses are not expected in the region according to State's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the Weather Sentry system. 

However, with estimates on total snowfall still sketchy, Sadosky urged caution.

"As the storm progresses, the condition of various roadways and structures will be inspected and should a collapse appear evident or probable the investigation will be turned over to the Town's Fire Department and Building Department in an effort to address those issues before they occur as well as addressing what to do after a collapse does occur," she said. 

What are you doing to prepare for the storm? Tell us in the comments.