Thursday Blizzard Updates: Branford Schools Closed Friday

Updated Feb. 7, 2013, 6:20 p.m.

The Branford School District has announced that school will be closed tomorrow, Feb. 8, 2013, for the incoming blizzard.

Original story: Feb. 7, 2013, 10:30 a.m.

Winter Storm Charlotte is heading our way with blizzard conditions predicted. With inclement weather, comes closings and cancellations. If you hear of one, take a moment to share it with your neighbors in the comments.

You can also use Patch to stay connected with your neighbors for other needs. Need a recommendation for snow removal service? Notice street closings, power lines down?

CL&P has storm preparedness tips on its website, as does the American Red Cross. You can view a PDF of the Red Cross's storm tips above.

And, of course, what's more representative of New England than pictures of the accumulating snow, kids bundled up in snowgear and dogs chasing snowballs? Share your great shots by clicking 'Upload Photos & Videos' above or below the photo gallery.

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B-Informed Release, Feb. 7, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

Due to the forecasted blizzard for our community beginning Friday morning and continuing into Saturday, all residents should begin emergency preparation for the expected heavy snowfalls of over 2ft., severe winds with gusts of up to 70 mph and moderate coastal flooding of up to 4 ft. above normal high tides.

We are requesting all residents voluntarily 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 is in effect. Please comply with this ordinance as it will greatly enhance the Department of Public Works ability to clear roadways efficiently. Violators of the ordinance could face up to a $90 fine and have their vehicle towed at their expense.

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.

Additionally, the Branford Fire Department warns to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) backing up into buildings. Please take the time 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.

If sheltering is required due to extended power outages the town will activate an emergency shelter at the Branford Community House located at 46 Church Street. Contact 203-315-3909 for pre-recorded information and to determine if the shelter is open.

The town’s Transfer Station located at 747 East Main Street will be closed on Saturday. Town Hall will remain open on Friday during regular business hours. Please be assured that all of the town departments are fully prepared in anticipation of this storm.

Please visit the town’s website at www.branford-ct.gov and www.branfordpolice.com for other storm related information.

Storm Prep Tips from the BFD

The Branford Fire Department posted the following storm preparation tips on its Facebook page: 

• Clear the hydrant in front of your home if possible
• Keep all vents around your home clear of snow, Carbon Monoxide gases can back up through these vents if they are obstructed
• Be sure you have fuel for your generators
• Check the batteries in your smoke and CO Detector
• Be sure elderly and/or disabled family have a supply of medications and prescriptions
• Stay off the roads if at all possible, this will be a difficult storm for the plows to keep up with.

The Fire Department will have extra staff on duty and our Volunteer Stations will be manned when appropriate.

2-1-1 Storm Preparation Resources 

• 2-1-1 - Winter Storm Disaster Information & Resources
• 2-1-1 eLibrary - Winter Storms and Blizzards
• Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security 
• National Weather Service 

Closings and Cancellations

• Mary T. Murphy Bingo Night scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8 was rescheduled for March 1.
• Branford Schools
• Mandatory parking ban in effect tomorrow (though parking off-street tonight is recommended)