The aftermath of winter Storm Charlotte – Info for Mansfield residents

Here is the latest update (7 p.m. Feb 10) from the Town of Mansfield, CT related to Storm Charlotte:

While all town roads are accessible, Public Works staff will continue to work in the coming days to further clear snow.

School is canceled for Monday, Feb. 11 for the Mansfield Public School District and the Region 19 District (E. O Smith High School).

The Mansfield Senior and Wellness Center will be closed on Monday, Feb. 11.

Other municipal facilities plan to open for a normal schedule on Monday, Feb. 11. If weather or travel conditions change, this may change.

Important safety info

• Use caution when shoveling snow or using a snow blower. Remember to break up the snow so that you do not lift or push too much snow and overly strain your body. Connecticut has had fatalities related to excessive lifting of snow.

• Make sure that furnace vents remain clear to prevent carbon monoxide build-up in your home.

• Please check on your neighbors, particularly those that are older or frail.

Fire/Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Portable generators are useful, but they can be hazardous.

Generators should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer instructions and guidelines.

The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution and fire. (Editor’s note: there were several fires in the area last winter from generators placed too close to walls, i.e. in a garage, or other flammable materials).

Charcoal/gas grills, camp stoves and lanterns, gas ovens, fireplaces, kerosene, gasoline or propane-powered space heaters can also be sources of serious safety concerns.

Parking ban / Safe travel

A reminder that Mansfield has an overnight parking ban on town roads during the winter months.

Also, use extra caution on roads in light of the unusually high piles of snowbanks that limit visibility and have narrowed the travel area on roads.

Following are some links with additional helpful tips:

Red Cross Urges Residents to Prepare http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Urges-Residents-to-Prepare-Ahead-of-Potential-Storm-in-CT

Eastern Highlands Health District site for Storm Charlotte http://www.ehhd.org/controls/NewsFeed.aspx?FeedID=54

Mansfield Department of Emergency Management – What to do in an emergency http://www.mansfieldct.gov/content/1914/5740/4170.aspx

For more updates, visit the town website and Facebook page

Posted February 10, 2013

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