Fairfield Resources and Updates

Fairfield
August 29, 2020
Thursday, another storm tore through our state, leaving thousands in some communities without power and prompting the Governor to declare a State of Emergency.

Here in Fairfield, our Emergency Operations was activated, but we were fortunate to be spared the brunt of the storms this time. Next time we might not be so lucky. This week's storms came on quickly, which is a reminder that it is important to sign up for emergency alerts and pay attention to the warnings provided. Fairfield residents can sign up for alerts by following the steps below:
  1. Text FAIRFIELDCT to 888777.
  2. Reply to the confirmation text with your zip code.
  3. Reply to the text with your email address if you wish to get alerts via e-mail.
  4. Follow the link in the reply text and click here. Click 'Register for Alerts' and create a profile to customize how and when you receive alerts.

If you prefer not to text, you may click here and click 'Register for Alerts.'

United Way of Connecticut shared some helpful information in their e-mail, which I am passing along to all of you so that you can be prepared for future storms.
Peak Hurricane Season - A Message from Richard Porth          
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut
 

Peak hurricane season in Connecticut began in mid-August and runs through mid-October.
 
Preparing for emergency weather can help keep you and your loved ones safe, organized and informed during a weather emergency. 
 
What simple steps can you take today?

What other steps can you take?
 
United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 is a gateway to services related to emergency/disaster response and recovery as well as a statewide resource for emergency-related information collection and dissemination. Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ct.org for access to services and to stay informed during any extreme weather episode.

2-1-1 also maintains several eLibrary papers that can help you get prepared and stay informed including: How to Prepare and Safely Weather a Hurricane/Tornado, and How to Prepare and Safely Weather a Flood.
Public Hearing

As the storms were battering part of our state, the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee was hearing from Eversouce, UI, PURA, Dominion, ISO New England and the DEEP Commissioner regarding Isaias response. It was a long hearing, with many important points discussed.

During the hearing, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes provided background and information regarding Connecticut’s energy pricing and how ISO New England, who controls the energy market, works in conjunction with the region. You can find her remarks at

9:03:43 here. The entire hearing is available for viewing here.

Energy is one of those technically complicated topics, but what is not complicated is that the communication, response, and service must be enhanced and improved going forward. I, along with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, are committed to updating and improving the laws that govern energy providers.
Traffic Circle Study

Last week, MetroCOG and their contractors presented preliminary plans as part of the Post Road Circle Study. The hope is to improve safety, reduce congestion and make the area more accessible for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. You can view a recording of the meeting, as well as take a look at the proposals at the link above.

The process is being administered by MetroCOG and has involved two public meetings to date as well as significant stakeholder input. Take a look at and add your own comments via the website.

The ability to make improvements like this to our town infrastructure not only enhances safety, but improves our ability to attract businesses and support commerce in that part of town. It could provide greater accessibility to the businesses that are already located on that corridor.
As we head into the weekend, and you make plans to see friends and family, please be sure to continue to practice those public health measures you hear me talk about over and over again.