GREENWICH, CT. – With a moderate winter storm forecast to begin early Thursday, February 18, 2021 and continue into Friday morning, February 19, 2021, First Selectman Fred Camillo has announced that Town Hall will be closed for regular business on Thursday.
Mr. Camillo, in concert with the Emergency Closing Group, has decided that it is best for the health and safety of Town employees and residents, that Town Hall offices be closed on Thursday, February 18, 2021.
Town employees, who are able, will work remotely and will be available via email and voicemail. There will be access to Town Hall for employees who must be present on Thursday, as well as for the Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee.
The Greenwich Department of Health COVID vaccine clinic scheduled for Thursday has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Those with appointments will receive an email confirmation on the new date.
The storm is expected to have an impact on the afternoon commute with some sleet or freezing rain possibly mixing in along the coast. When the storm moves out by mid-day Friday, it is expected that snow accumulation will be between five to nine inches of snow.
It is anticipated that normal Town Hall operations will resume Friday, February 19, 2021. Operational updates will be posted on the Town website.
Snow cleanup regulations
By Town ordinance, Greenwich property owners are required to be responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice.
The Town of Greenwich prohibits plow contractors from pushing snow from driveways or parking lots onto Town streets. This practice is dangerous and impedes the Town’s snow removal efforts. If there is no other alternative to pushing snow into the street, the private plow driver must plow off the windrow left across the street by re-plowing until the road is safe.
The Department of Public Works reminds local restaurant operators who have permitted outdoor dining nodes, that the restaurants are responsible for all snow cleanup of the areas behind the node barriers. Restaurant operators also are responsible for cleaning the sidewalk along the front of their respective property. Tents and canopies should be removed until after the storm.
We are requesting residents that when they are out shoveling snow from their driveways and sidewalks, to also clear nearby fire hydrants. By clearing a three-foot radius around the hydrant will help save precious time in battling a fire.
The snow emergency will remain in effect until the Board of Selectmen, which is the Town’s traffic authority, removes the emergency declaration.
Residents should avoid all downed utility wires and assume they are live.
In the event of flooding, residents are urged to stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard. Natural gas service in a flooded basement may also pose a danger.
Safety tips when arranging to have natural gas service restored once flood waters have receded:
- If the natural gas meter and/or regulator were under water, customers must first contact their natural gas company.
- If any natural gas equipment (furnace, boiler, water heater, etc.) has been under water, they need to contact a plumbing and heating contractor to have the equipment checked.
Those affected can then contact their natural gas company to have service restored. Homeowners should never attempt to turn on or shut off natural gas service.
TO REPORT ONLY EMERGENCIES – For all Police, Fire and EMS emergencies, dial 911.
Emergency Helplines – Utilities:
Aquarion Water Company 1-800-732-9678
Eversource 1-800-286-2000
CT Natural Gas Company 1-203-869-6900
Optimum/Altice 1-866-950-3278
Frontier Communications 1-800-239-4430
Warming Center
Should residents lose power, the following location is available as a warming and electronic device charging center:
- Greenwich Public Safety Complex, 11 Bruce Place. Open 24/7.
For media inquiries, contact Barbara Heins, Executive Assistant to the First Selectman, at barbara.heins@greenwichct.org.