For residents who would like to apply for individual aid through FEMA, click here.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

American Red Cross:

The need for emergency sheltering in Greenwich has steadily declined as temperatures rise and power is restored.  After consultation with Town officials, the American Red Cross has decided to close the shelter they have been operating at Eastern Middle School (51 Hendrie Avenue, Riverside, CT) effective today at 4:00 p.m.  All shelter residents have found other accommodations, and the school has resumed classes.

Should the need arise again for emergency shelter, residents can be accommodated at other locations in Connecticut and New York.  The Greenwich shelter could be reopened if necessary.  For information on shelter locations, residents can call the Police non-emergency number 203-622-8000 or the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The American Red Cross will be distributing clean-up supplies to residents who suffered flood damage during Hurricane Sandy.  Volunteers will be at the Sound Beach and Cos Cob Fire Houses on Saturday, November 10 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. to give out special kits containing a mop, broom, gloves, disinfectant, trash bags and other items that can be used to clean homes affected by water and debris from the storm.  All items of assistance from the Red Cross are provided free of charge to those in need.

Town officials expressed their thanks to the Red Cross, the Board of Education, the Department of Health, and the many volunteers who supported sheltering operations during the storm.

Department of Public Works:

Building Inspection Division:  As of November 8th, the Building Inspection Division Inspectors have inspected approximately 600 buildings for water damage to mechanical equipment caused by Hurricane Sandy.  However, not all houses that were flooded have been identified and inspected.  If your house or building was flooded during Hurricane Sandy and any of your mechanical equipment (electrical wires, panels, water heaters, furnaces or boilers, etc.) were flooded, and you have not already had an inspection by Town inspectors, it is strongly recommended that you contact the Building Inspection Division at 203-622-7755 or 203-629-6999 to request an inspection.  This inspection will determine if any of the equipment sustained water damage and Inspectors can explain what can be done to prevent any future ramifications to the equipment due to salt water intrusion.

Highway:  Highway forces and its contractors, AshBritt and MJP, will begin a major effort to collect Town organic debris (branches, logs, stumps) from the Town's right of way on Tuesday, November 13.  You may see contractors and Highway staff throughout the Town, beginning next week, as they clear Town rights of way of debris.  Please remember not to put private debris in the Town right of way, especially after the Town has made the effort to clean the right of way on your roads. 

Holly Hill:  Holly Hill will be open on Saturday, November 10 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for residents.  Holly Hill will also be open on Monday, November 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fall Leaf Collection Program:

Due to Hurricane “Sandy” and Nor’easter “Athena” there will be a change to this year’s Leaf Collection Program.

The date for commencement of the Leaf Collection Program has been changed to Monday, December 3, 2012.  Leaf Collection crews will provide one (1) collection per leaf collection section during this modified program.  Leaves in all collection sections must be placed at the roadside for pick up by December 3rd to ensure collection.

This program will be confined to leaves only.  Sticks, branches and other types of storm debris will not be included in the collection.  Residents in the collection areas are requested to rake leaves only into piles at the shoulder of the road.  Please avoid raking leaves onto the pavement, sidewalks, catch basin grates and open channels, which cause drainage and flooding problems during periods of rain.  As an alternate, residents may choose to place leaves in biodegradable paper bags and place them for collection at the curb.  NO PLASTIC BAGS of leaves will be collected.

As always, leaf collection will be conducted in accordance to numeric section scheduling.  Twenty four (24) hour Leaf Collection Scheduling Information is available by calling the Leaf Collection Hotline Number: (203) 618-7698.  Because this year’s program will be abbreviated and accelerated, we recommend that residents stay ahead by raking early and frequently.

Street Names with corresponding Section Numbers can be obtained here.

Griffith E. Harris Golf Course:

The power has been restored at “The Griff.”  However, over 6 inches of snow has fallen, which will hamper re-opening efforts.  CL&P continues to utilize the parking lot as an Emergency Restoration Site, and so we ask that you avoid the site until we re-open.  Please stay tuned to our website for further updates or call 203-531-6944.  Thank you for your patience.

Boating Update:

Greenwich Point:  Greenwich Point (GP) is closed until further notice.  However, boat hauling and bottom pressure washing will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2012, ONLY if pre-arranged.  For Non-OGYC Club members requiring haul out, please contact Henry Goyette at 203-496-0574 to arrange a time to haul.

Boaters who winter store with the Town at GP who require access to their vessel will be allowed into the Point from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  The park will close to these boaters at 3:00 pm.

Boaters must have their Marina Use Pass to enter the park and will be directed to park their vehicle in the clam bake parking lot.  Boating access is restricted to the boatyard only and limited to 2 persons per vehicle.  No children will be permitted into the park.

Cos Cob:  Bottom washing of boats will be permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9 and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10.

Grass Island:  There will be no bottom washing this weekend due to Utility and Tree Equipment staging.

More Information:

• The State of Emergency in the Town of Greenwich will be lifted by First Selectman Peter J. Tesei effective at 4:00 p.m. today, November 8, 2012. 
• The Town of Greenwich Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be henceforth closed as of 4:00 p.m. today.  This action terminates our daily press briefings and press releases.  This will be the last press release regarding Winter Storm Athena.  
• It is the responsibility of our residents to clear their own sidewalks of snow within 48 hours of snowfall.  Also make sure to clear the top of your vehicle before driving.  Failure to do will result in a $117 fine under Connecticut General Statute 14-271. 
• All Greenwich Parks are now open with the exception of Greenwich Point.  Use caution at all locations, as there may still be debris present.
• Power related issues are to be referred to CL&P at 1-800-286-2000.  At this time, power has been restored to most neighborhoods, leaving only 31 customers without power.  Should you be in that isolated group, please call the number above to alert CL&P that you are still without power.
• To report a gas leak, please call 911 for emergency response, and then call Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) at 1-866-924-5325. 
• For general information, visit our Town website at www.greenwichct.org

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The first named Winter Storm of the season, Athena, is expected to increase in intensity as it moves into our region this afternoon and overnight.  The latest forecast models show an extended period of high winds and potentially moderate flooding in low lying areas.  High tides will occur in Greenwich Harbor at 5:01 PM tonight and 5:35 AM tomorrow morning.  These will be the most critical periods for storm surge-related flooding, which may be several feet above normal.  Keep in mind that Hurricane Sandy has damaged many sea walls and in some areas has changed the outline of coastal areas and inlets.  The high tide flooding we are all accustomed to during previous storms may be very different with Winter Storm Athena.  A voluntary evacuation of immediate coastal areas is being encouraged.  The emergency shelter at the Eastern Middle School remains open on a 24-hour basis.  For more information on sheltering, call the non-emergency hotline at 203-622-8000.

Winds will intensify after dark and are forecast to reach 25-30 MPH sustained speeds with gusts between 45 and 60 MPH.  With many trees and structures already compromised by damage from Hurricane Sandy, there is significant potential for wind-related damage.  Please remain indoors during the storm - especially during periods of high winds.

The Town’s Emergency Operations Center will remain open throughout this weather event.  The Town has requested that utility companies, including Connecticut Light and Power, keep resources already in Town to make emergency repairs if required.

Residents are advised to monitor local media outlets for up-to-date forecast information.  WGCH Radio – AM1490 will remain on the air throughout the storm.

If you must be outdoors, exercise extreme caution and be wary of road conditions.  Debris remains on many portions of the right-of-way from Hurricane Sandy.

Due to the current storm, the FEMA offices in Greenwich are closing at 1:00 p.m. today and should be opening again tomorrow.  The exact opening information will be provided when it becomes available.

More Information:

• Due to the weather forecasts and in consultation with the Town's Emergency Operations Center, Greenwich Public School’s Superintendent has announced that all after school and evening activities are canceled for today, Wednesday, November 7, 2012.
• All Greenwich Parks are now open with the exception of Greenwich Point.  Use caution at all locations, as there may still be debris present.
• Power related issues are to be referred to CL&P at 1-800-286-2000. 
• To report a gas leak, please call Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) at 1-866-924-5325. 
• For general information, visit our Town website at www.greenwichct.org

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