[UPDATED] BLIZZARD NEWS: Bethel First Selectman Announces Town Storm Prep Info

Update 3 p.m.:

Bethel Emergency Operations update as of 2:30pm, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015

• Gov. Malloy has issued a travel ban on all roads effective at 9:00pm tonight until further notice.

• Bethel winter street parking ban will be in effect this evening and for the duration of the storm. Please ensure all vehicles are off town streets through the duration of the storm to aid highway cleanup operations. The Police Department reserves the right to tow vehicles if necessary to ensure successful snow removal operations.

• Bethel Public Schools and Bethel Municipal Center will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27th. Wednesday schedules are not yet know; will be announced at a later time.

• Residents are advised to shelter “in place” and stay indoors for duration of the storm. Bethel’s emergency center has been made ready in case it is needed. Conditions will be evaluated early Wednesday to determine if emergency shelter is needed.

Please see additional storm information at www.bethel-ct.gov

Original Post:

Bethel’s First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker spoke with Bethel Patch via telephone on Monday afternoon regarding what the Town of Bethel is doing to prepare for Storm Juno.

“At this time we are not opening the Municipal Center tomorrow,” Knickerbocker said. “We are not expecting to have to open it but it is fully stocked and showers are ready if need be.”

Comparing Storm Alfred to the coming Storm Juno, Knickerbocker said he does not expect as many power outages, “because there are not wet heavy leaves.”

He said the Town has fully equipped police, fire and EMS departments with cots so they will not have to drive during the expected bad weather.

CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT UP-TO-DATE STORM INFO FOR BETHEL

From the Town of Bethel website:

Bethel: Update on Winter Storm Juno
(Last updated 1/26/15 @ 1:30pm)

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for our area
beginning Monday, Jan. 26th at 1:00pm through Wednesday, Jan. 28th at 12:00am.
Blizzard conditions are dangerous, involving heavy blowing and drifting snow, high
winds and often zero visibility. The heaviest snowfalls are expected to begin in the early
hours of Tuesday, Jan. 27th and will continue throughout the day. Bethel Public Schools
are on the early dismissal schedule today and will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27th.
Wednesday and Thursday schedules have not yet been determined.

The NWS is predicting 15” to 23” for this area. Bethel residents are strongly urged to
heed the following precautions:

• Please end all local travel by 9:00pm this evening, in accordance with Gov.
Malloy’s previously announced travel ban on all state highways.
• Please be aware of Bethel’s wintertime roadside parking ban and ensure all
vehicles are removed from all public streets and roadways for the duration of the
storm.
• Most importantly, plan to shelter indoors and do not travel. NWS is calling this a
potentially life threatening storm.
• The utility providers are not expecting widespread power outages, but local
outages are always possible. In addition to having a few days worth of food and
water, as well as blankets, flashlights and fresh batteries, please double check
prescription medications to ensure you have sufficient supply.

Please monitor local news outlets for updates. Town of Bethel – Juno Update 2
Additional items recommended to have on hand in your home during winter
emergencies (courtesy of NBC News):
• High-energy foods like dried fruit, canned products and items that do not
need to be refrigerated
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Heating fuel
• Matches and candles
• Smoke detector and fire extinguisher
• First-aid supplies
• Portable radio
• Extra blankets
• Books, puzzles, games and magazines

CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT UP-TO-DATE STORM INFO FOR BETHEL

Have a news tip? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

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