FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2011

CONTACT: Lisa Carver, Mayor’s Office (860) 826-3303
Parks Department (860) 826-3360
Public Works City Yard (860) 826-3480

MAYOR STEWART URGES RESIDENTS TO KEEP SAFETY IN MIND FOLLOWING WINTER STORM ALFRED; ADVISES PARENTS AGAINST HAVING CHILDREN TRICK OR TREATING ON CITY STREETS THIS EVENING

Mayor Timothy T. Stewart today advised New Britain residents to continue to use extreme caution when driving or walking on city streets and sidewalks.

“In surveying the damage from Winter Storm Alfred, there are many city neighborhoods still without power that have electric lines and tree limbs blocking streets and sidewalks” said Mayor Stewart. “While city tree crews are working side by side with CL&P crews in the effort to restore power and make roads passable, due to the magnitude of the damage there is no assurance that the cleanup will be complete in time for Halloween festivities. Therefore, I am asking that parents, in the interest of safety, keep your children indoors this evening and off city streets.”

“In addition, as there are still expected to be power outages in the City for several more days with lower than seasonal temperatures, the Senior Center at 55 Pearl Street will remain open tonight as a warming center. There will be cots available as well as electric outlets to recharge cell phones and electrical devices, but people will need to make provision for their own food. The status of the Senior Center along with any additional need for services will be evaluated on a day to day basis. ”

New Britain Police also are encouraging drivers to use extra caution on roadways with trees or wires down. In particular, drivers are reminded that when traffic lights are not functioning due to power outages, the intersection is treated as a four-way stop. There have already been several accidents in the City, and more can be prevented if drivers take the extra time at these intersections.

Mayor also announced that Public Works will be picking up debris that is placed on the curb all during the week. “As Public Works and Parks Department crews are cleaning up trees that are impeding access on roads and sidewalks, they will also remove tree branches that are placed on the curb (please do not impede access to sidewalks or roads). This will take place at a minimum all throughout this week. In addition, debris can be left free of charge at Chesley Park on Wildwood Street. This debris pickup will continue next week if necessary.”

Trash and recycling pickup will take place on regularly scheduled days, if streets are passable. If trucks are unable to get through due to downed wires or trees, trash pickup will not occur this week. If your trash receptacle is not picked up on the regular day, please take it back from the curb and place out again on your regular day next week. Overfilled trash receptacles will be accepted next week only. If it is your recycling week and your recycling receptacle is not picked on the regular day, leave your receptacle out and it should be picked up by the end of the week.

Mayor Stewart concluded, “I want to commend city employees and private citizens alike who are dealing with the worst fall storm ever recorded in Connecticut as best we can. I ask for continued cooperation and patience so that everyone stays safe.”

Reports of lines or trees in roadways can be directed to New Britain Police Department Dispatch at (860) 826-3000 or Parks Department at (860) 826-3360. Concerns on debris pick up can be directed to the Public Works Department at (860) 826-3350 or after business hours to the City Yard at (860) 826-3480.