Thursday Blizzard Updates: North Branford Schools Closed Friday

Updated: Feb. 7, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

North Branford schools are closed tomorrow, Feb. 8, 2013.

You can check out North Branford's Emergency Management Department on Facebook and follow it on Twitter @nbranfordemd. 

Updated: Feb. 7, 2013, 2:45 p.m.

Here is information on Winter Storm Charlotte from the Town of North Branford:

Although computer models are still unsure of when and where the Blizzard may hit this weekend, the Town of North Branford would like to be proactive in sending out information to our residents.  Please note the items listed below in case the storm does hit Connecticut, which is projected to start in full force tomorrow afternoon:

• Make sure you are self sufficient for at least a week in case of severe power, phone and cell outages.
• Make sure your neighbors and family members are safe and have enough food, water and supplies to last a week and check on them every day. 
• The Emergency Operations Center will be located at the Police Station.  Phone numbers there are: (203) 484-9549, 484-2196, 484-2583 and 484-9538. Please call these numbers instead of 911 for non-emergency situations. We will decide tomorrow whether and when the EOC will open.
• The Town will be sending out severe weather, road closures and updated safety information via the SAFER North Branford Emergency Notification System where we can contact thousands of residents in seconds with a push of a button. If you have not signed up for SAFER or need to update your information on the system, please go to the North Branford Town Website (www.townofnorthbranfordct.com) TODAY and fill out all of the information. You can also update your information via the CT Alert System (www.ctgov/ctalert). Having your latest contact information is the only way to ensure that we can contact you in an emergency.
• If a shelter needs to be opened, it will be located at the North Branford Intermediate School and you should enter the main entrance, the door to the right of the flagpole and bring with you medication (in their original labeled vials) to last 7 days, a list of all medications, clothes, blankets and pillows, things to keep children active, toiletry items (toothbrush/toothpaste/contact lends solutions, etc.), and towels. As of today, the Red Cross will not open a shelter until after the storm is over, if needed. 
• If and when power is restored, charging stations for cell phones and medical equipment will be available at the Town Hall, Community Center, two Libraries, and the Intermediate School Monday to Friday.
• Press Releases with emergency updates will be given out every day. These will be on the Town’s website, given out through our SAFER System and where there is power, through local businesses and the Emergency Operations Center.
• If you need to report a power outage or power lines down, please call 1-800-7CALLUI (1-800-722-5584) for UI customers or go to UI’s website – www.uinet.com/outagemap. For Wallingford Electric, please call 203-265-5055.
• Now is the time to check the outside of your home for trees and bushes that need to be cut back or bring indoors items that could fly around in a storm causing damage.

Original story: Feb. 7, 2013, 10:30 a.m.

Winter Storm Charlotte is heading our way with blizzard conditions predicted. With inclement weather, comes closings and cancellations. If you hear of one, take a moment to share it with your neighbors in the comments.

You can also use Patch to stay connected with your neighbors for other needs. Need a recommendation for snow removal service? Notice street closings, power lines down?

CL&P has storm preparedness tips on its website, as does the American Red Cross. You can view a PDF of the Red Cross's storm tips above. If power outages occur, here's the link to UI's outage map.

And, of course, what's more representative of New England than pictures of the accumulating snow, kids bundled up in snowgear and dogs chasing snowballs? Share your great shots by clicking 'Upload Photos & Videos' above or below the photo gallery.

2-1-1 Storm Preparation Resources 

• 2-1-1 - Winter Storm Disaster Information & Resources
• 2-1-1 eLibrary - Winter Storms and Blizzards
• Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security 
• National Weather Service 

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