Public Works Prepares for Melting

The Public Works Department is once again trying to keep ahead of the weather. 

Today and tomorrow crews are working on clearing drainage areas, whether they be traditional storm sewers or more modern swale systems designed to absorb and disperse water, Director Robert Martin said. 

“With the warm weather the next few days we anticipate some significant melting,” Martin said. “We’re trying to be proactive.” 

Public works crews are also filling some potholes today and tomorrow, he added. 

Martin also encourages residents to call the department at 860-693-7863 if there are any areas of significant standing water or large potholes. 

Adam B. Libros, the town’s fire marshal and director of emergency management, said residents can also start preparing for spring melting. 

He suggests actions such as moving valuable items away from areas of the home that may get water logged, checking with insurance companies about the parameters of existing or potential policies and seeing that any sump pumps or holes are clear and in good working order.

“I think the best thing is preparation,” he said. 

He said residents can also check the National Weather Service’s flood outlooks.