What Guilford Residents Need to Know during the Winter Weather Months

We haven't seen much snow this winter season here in Guilford. But with the winter weather that came to town Tuesday night and the cancellation of school Wednesday due to the inclement weather, we're reminded that we are in the winter months. With that in mind, here's what you should know about our town's policies and procedures as we go through these cold months:

School Closures and Delays:

There are many ways to find out about Guilford Public Schools Closures and Delays. According to GCTV's video, the School Superintendent works closely with the Guilford Police Department to determine whether school will be closed or delayed. Ultimately, the Superintendent makes the decision considering the information provided by the Police Department about road conditions. See the above link for complete policies and procedures for school opening and closings for adverse weather conditions. 

• A SchoolMessenger email message will be sent to the first two email addresses you have provided to GPS
• TV Stations: GCTV (local TV Channel 19), WTNH-TV (Channel 8), Fox 61 (Channel 61), WVIT-TV (Channel 30), WFSB-TV (Channel 3)
• Radio Stations: WEZN (99.9 FM), WLIS (1420 AM), WPLR (99.1 FM)
• Under the accouncements section on the school's website
• Call 203-453-8200 for an updated message

Guilford Schools consider two options in the event of inclement weather:

• The Schools will close completely.
• A 90-minute delay. In this case, all morning bus schedules will be delayed for 90 minutes and schools will close at the regular time. 

When a 90-minute delay is in effect, Kindergarten and Pre-K Programs will follow this schedule:

Kindergarten: AM 10:30-12:34 PM 1:21-3:25

Pre-K Program: AM 10:30- 12:24

Overnight Parking Ban

The following document, from the town's website, details the Overnight Parking Ban Currently in effect for the town:

There is an “Overnight Parking Ban” which is in effect from December 1st through April 1st. There is no on-street parking between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. or whenever snow removal operations are in progress.

Vehicles in violation may be tagged and towed. This ordinance was enacted to facilitate snow removal from our town roads. Vehicles that are parked on the street hinder snow removal and delay road openings. Additionally the police department must tag and tow these vehicles which takes away from our time to handle the other calls that occur during snow events.

Please park your vehicles off-street during the winter months.

...and If you have a fire hydrant in front of your property...

According to the town's website:

The Fire Department also requests that if you have a fire hydrant in front of your property, you keep it free and clear of snow in case of emergencies. 

Private Snow Removal Contractors

The town also detailed on their Facebook page a reminder on Private Snow Removal Contractors:

Snow Removal Notice for Homeowners and Businesses: Please advise your private snow removal contractors that they are prohibited from dumping snow into the street during their snow removal process.

When will you start to see plows?

According to this video from GCTV, our town has plow trucks out and about before a snow storm even hits. As soon as the town gets word some snow is on it's way, crews take to the streets to apply a mixture to roads, so that when early snow starts, it doesn't accumulate right away it just melts, giving them a head start.

Depending on the size of the storm, the town will start preparing trucks early in the morning or even the night before to be fully prepared for when it hits. If the size of the storm is anticipated to be large, the town does reach out to private contractors to ensure they are able to respond promptly and in full force. 

Sidewalks

According to the town's Facebook page, the town issued a reminder on the sidewalks in front of your property or your business:

Property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after a snow storm. The police department issues warnings advising property owners when sidewalks are not cleared or sufficiently passable. The standard we use to determine whether a sidewalk is sufficiently passable is a wheelchair standard. Is the sidewalk cleared and wide enough for a wheelchair to pass? Violators can be fined not more than $100 for each day that the sidewalk is not cleared.

The GCVT video also explains that there have been instances when a business did not plow their sidewalk in a high volume area within the allotted time. Chief Terribile explains that in some of those cases, the town will come in and plow, but then charge the property owner for that service. 

Snowplow Damage to Mailboxes

The town does have a policy if your mailbox is damaged by a snowplow. Click the above link for details. 

If you are unable to pay Your fuel, electric, or heating Bill

If you are in a financial situation where you are unable to pay your fuel, electric, or heating bill during these cold months and lose power, Guilford Social Services Department.

For more information, check out this video from GCTV or visit the town's website.

If you want to get Reverse 911 alerts, register your phone at this website. 

What else should Guilford residents know during the winter months? Tell us in the comments?