Bristol storm prep: Schools closed, expect power outages
Bristol Town Administator Steven Contente released a statement Wednesday afternoong saying the town is preparing for a bad winter storm that could knock out power amid bitterly cold conditions on Thursday.
He also announced that Superintendent of Schools Mario Andrade has already made the decision to close the public schools on Thursday.
A parking ban goes into effect at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
He also urged all residents to use caution with alternative heating sources, such as candles, fires or gas heaters.
The Bristol Recreation Center on Asylym Road will be open as a shelter beginning at 8 a.m.
Following is the full statement from the town administrator:
Dear Residents of Bristol,
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Bristol RI beginning at 1 in the morning on Thursday (1-04-18). Snow accumulations have been predicted to be 8 to 12 inches tomorrow during the day with a potential of high winds that may cause power outages. Temperatures will be bitter cold.
The Town of Bristol has implemented the following procedures:
- A No Parking Ban will begin tomorrow at 6 AM (1-04-18)
- School Superintendent Mario Andrade has informed me that there will be no school tomorrow, Thursday (1-04- 18).
- There will be no trash and recycling pickup tomorrow (resume regular pickup next week)
- Town Hall and non-essential services will be closed tomorrow.
The Town Recreation Center on Asylum Road will be open 24 hours and staffed as a shelter beginning at 8 AM tomorrow morning.
During the Storm:
Please be aware that high wind gusts may cause extended power outages. I have been in direct contact with National Grid and they are securing additional work crews once the high winds subside. Use caution with candles, and space heaters. Keep gas generators a safe distance from your home and know that unsafe carbon monoxide fumes can travel.
Emergency transportation is available to the Community Center please call Bristol Police at 253-6900. Also residents requiring help with special home medical equipment during the storm can call the Bristol Police Dispatch at 253-6900 for assistance.
Our Department of Public Works has 15 Town of Bristol snow plows, two front end loaders, and two backhoes ready, and additional contractors are available. Our Volunteer Fire Department will be staffing engines and rescue vehicles. As always, our Police Department is always ready to assist.
I will be sending a Code Red Message later this afternoon, please do not be alarmed.
Lastly, I would like to state that Bristol has weathered many winter storm in the past, know that your Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Depmiment, Recreation Department, and your Town Adminsitrator are working together to help keep our community safe and return our town to regular business as soon as possible.
Steven Contente
Bristol Town Administrator
