Candlewood Lake Authority Shares Important Water Safety Tips

BROOKFIELD, CT—Marine Patrol is Ready for the Season!

Memorial Day weekend marked the official opening of the summer season. The Candlewood Lake Authority Marine Patrol are the first responders on the entire lake measuring 11 miles long, 2 miles wide, and 65 miles of shoreline spanning five towns. The Patrol strives to ensure all boaters share a safe recreational experience on the lake.

Assistant Chief of Marine Patrol Henry Dyson encourages all boaters to take extra time to do a safety check before they head out on the water. Many boaters have a checklist for opening and closing the boat. Create a personal checklist for essential safety gear.

1. Make sure your drain plugs are in prior to launch.
2. If you aren’t a mechanic, it is a good idea to have a certified boat maintenance professional give your vessel a once-over before you put the boat in the water to make sure it is seaworthy.
3. Be sure you add fresh fuel.
4. 4. Check the expiration date for appropriate safety equipment including your fire extinguisher. If you shake your fire extinguisher you should feel powder moving around inside the device. If the powder is not moving inside have the extinguisher checked by a fire professional or replace it. Instrumentation must be in the green. Check your vessel horn, and if you use one, your air horn.
5. If safety gear is still in its original packaging, open it so you can quickly access it in case of emergency.
6. Check the condition of your life vests, moldy or torn PFD should be replaced. Make sure all PFDs are the appropriate size for each passenger. Add an extra life vest if you pick up a passenger or two – or if you need to be a good citizen for someone in distress.
7. Put a map of the lake in an easily accessible compartment.
8. Make sure you have a charged cell phone and if you have one, an extra battery pack for longer days on the water.

Chief Nick Mellas urges boaters to use caution on the water this early in the season.

1. Seasonal storms can cause large debris to be moved from the islands or personal property into the lake. Be on the lookout for natural obstacles and floating docks or vessels which may come loose around the lake.
2. Water levels are variable, pay careful attention to hidden hazards.
3. Be sure you read and understand what buoy markers are in your line of sight, give hazard buoys a wide berth. Never tie your vessel to a marker buoy.
4. Before May 31, you must wear a life jacket on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Beginning June 1 and through October 31, you must have a life jacket with you, and you should always make sure you wear it.
5. Lake temperatures at this time of year can be in the 55 to 60-degree range. Did you know that there is no difference between lake temperatures of 30 vs 60 degrees Fahrenheit? Hypothermia or cold shock can affect you in a matter of minutes and without a life vest, you may not survive. 50 -60 is the danger zone.

Boat traffic on Candlewood Lake can be particularly busy on the weekends. Boaters are encouraged to be courteous of fellow boaters and to be good citizens of the lake. Marine Patrol will be actively present on the water this summer. Don’t hesitate to stop and ask a question or just to say hello. We will see you on the lake!

What you need to know about operating a vessel on Candlewood Lake
Licensing and Safe Boating Certificates (SBC) –

CLA encourages all boaters to take a Boating Safety course and earn a state of CT Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) to keep you – and others – safe on the waters.

1. An SBC is required for Connecticut residents, owners of real estate in Connecticut, and anyone using Connecticut waters more than 60 days a year.
2. Connecticut recognizes certificates from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island for use on our waters.
3. All personal watercraft (PWC) operators on Connecticut waters must possess a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) from DEEP.

Water Skiing Endorsement

Emily’s Law was passed in 2015 in Connecticut for operators of a vessel engaged in water skiing, tubing, or any passengers riding in the wake. Operators:

1. must be at least 16 years old.
2. must hold the appropriate license and/or certificate (see above)
3. must hold a Connecticut DEEP-issued Safe Water Skiing Endorsement.

Anyone who held a valid license and/or certification before October 1, 2015, is grandfathered from the endorsement requirement. If you received an SBC after October 1, 2015, and your SBC doesn’t already include the endorsement, you need to take the two-hour towing endorsement available free of charge through the online sportsman licensing system.Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Surfing and Tubing Safety Reminders

1. By law, water skiing is towing anyone behind a vessel under power. This includes surfing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
2. Operators must comply with the DEEP Safe Water Skiing Endorsement regulations.
3. There must be a responsible person at least 12 years of age on board to assist the operator and observe the progress of the person being towed.
4. Towing a passenger behind a vessel is not permitted from one half-hour past sunset to sunrise and when weather conditions limit visibility to less than 10 yards.

Severe Weather Alert Issued for #DanburyCT #RidgefieldCT & Surrounding Towns: #CTWeather

DANBURY, CT—The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Greater Danbury area.

Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service New York NY 817 PM EDT Wed Jun 3 2020 Fairfield CT-New Haven CT-Bergen NJ-Westchester NY-Orange NY- Putnam NY-Rockland NY- 817 PM EDT Wed Jun 3 2020

…A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 845 PM EDT FOR CENTRAL FAIRFIELD…WEST CENTRAL NEW HAVEN…NORTHEASTERN BERGEN…WESTCHESTER…SOUTHEASTERN ORANGE…PUTNAM AND ROCKLAND COUNTIES…

At 817 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Brewster to New City, moving east at 70 mph. HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Expect damage to trees and power lines. These severe storms will be near… Danbury and Bethel around 825 PM EDT. Newtown and Redding around 830 PM EDT. Bedford around 835 PM EDT. Greenwich around 840 PM EDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Photo credit: steffen l via Flickr Creative Commons

CT Cooling Centers Near You, Heatwave, Excessive Heat Watch, Flash Flood Watch & More

FAIRFIELD  COUNTY, CT— The National Weather Service has issued a number of watches in our area as temperatures rise. As the heatwave approaches, residents should pay special attention to the elderly, young children, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.

Call 2-1-1 or click here for a list of cooling centers near you.

From the National Weather Service: A Hazardous Weather Watch has been issued for Northern Fairfield County and Westchester. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect through late this evening and a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. There is also an EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening according to to the National Weather Service.

A Special Weather Statement was also issued by the NWS:

“A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD… SOUTHEASTERN NEW HAVEN AND SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX COUNTIES… At 517 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Milford to near Norwalk. Movement was east at 30 m.p.h. Winds in excess of 40 m.p.h. are possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include… Bridgeport, New Haven, Norwalk, Milford, Wallingford, Shelton, Guilford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Chester, Fairfield, Hamden, Stratford, Trumbull and Branford.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect now through 10 p.m. this evening for the following counties:

• FAIRFIELD, HARTFORD, LITCHFIELD, MIDDLESEX, NEW HAVEN, NEW LONDON, TOLLAND, WINDHAM.

Finally, an Excessive Heat Watch was also issued for Northern Fairfield, Southern Fairfield, Southern New Haven, Northern Westchester, Southern Westchester, and surrounding counties.  The EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening from 12 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m.

According to the NWS:

“Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at- risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoors. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.”

It’s also important to remember to keep your pets cool in excessive heat. Here are some tips from ABC 7 News:

• * Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• * Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• * Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• * Never leave a pet inside of a parked car on a hot day. Even with the windows open, extreme temperatures inside a parked can could quickly lead to fatal heat stroke for your pet.
• * Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them often during summer months.
• * Prepare with your pet: Pet food, water, medications and supplies should always be included in your emergency preparedness plans and “go bags.”

Some local towns are already announcing cancellations of events, and others have posted important information about cooling centers. Check your town’s website for more details.

Photo by DaPuglet via Flickr Creative Commons

 

 

Bethel Summerfest Reschedules Activities Due to Heat Advisory

BETHEL, CT— The Town of Bethel has postponed this Saturday’s Summerfest due to the heat advisories issued by the National Weather Service.

Brad Koltz, President & Executive Director of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that the Bethel Summerfest scheduled for Saturday, July 20 will be rescheduled due to excessive heat forecasted for this weekend.

“After months of planning, we are reluctantly forced to reschedule this year’s SummerFest due to the unsafe heat advisory that has been issued for Saturday, with heat and high humidity creating unsafe conditions for outdoor activities. We will release the revised date and times soon, so please keep a lookout for that announcement.”

BeerFest is still on for Friday, July 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. with unlimited beer tastings and food samplings from local restaurants, live music, and games. Discounted tickets are available online at bethelbeerfest.com.

This Saturday, July 20, local merchants are hosting activities indoors for Summerfest due to the weather warning. The following businesses are hosting special events this Saturday:

PhotoWorks, who is celebrating their 10th anniversary, is hosting an artist reception on Saturday from 2 – 5:00 p.m. at 226 Greenwood Avenue. Click here for details.

Byrds Books, located at 178 Greenwood Avenue, is hosting an indoor summer “sidewalk” sale and visits by several authors throughout the day on Saturday:

• 11:00 a.m.: Lauren Baratz-Logsted will sign “I Love You Michael Collins”
• 12:00 p.m.: Donna Marie Merritt will sign her poetry and children’s books, including: “Her House and Other Poems” and Teensy Meensy Mice”
• 1:00 p.m.: National Book Award nominee Vesper Stamper will sign “What the Night Sings”
• 1:00 p.m.: Jack Sheedy will sign “Gandy Dancing”
• 2:00 p.m.: Bethel’s Poet Laureate Cortney Davis will sign her poetry and “Learning to Heal”
• 2:00 p.m.: Rob McWilliams will sign “The Kiss of Sweet Scottish Rain”

The Toy Room is an indoor sidewalk sale as well on Saturday with savings on merchandise of up to 75% off. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. the Sandcastle Guy from Create a Castle will visit and showcase his product. The Toy Room is located at 180 Greenwood Avenue.

For more information on this or other events, visit the Bethel Summerfest website.

#CTWeather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Fairfield, New Haven County

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT— The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 10:00 p.m. Tuesday evening for Fairfield and New Haven County. Strong wind gusts of up to 60 m.p.h., quarter-sized hail, and torrential downpours are expected.

"There is a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms developing late
this afternoon into this evening along a warm front. The main threat
will be damaging winds and large hail, however, an isolated tornado
is possible. The threat is highest just west of the NYC metro.
Monitor subsequent NWS forecasts for the latest information on this
severe threat."

The NWS reports the storm will be near Trumbull, Monroe and Newtown between 9:10 and 9:45 p.m. Residents of these towns and nearby locations should immediately move to an interior room or basement of the house away from windows for their protection.

"Locations impacted include...
Bridgeport, Danbury, Shelton, Southbury, Brewster, Newtown,
Fairfield, Stratford, Trumbull, Ridgefield, Monroe, Bethel, Seymour,
Brookfield and Orange."

4th Nor’Easter Set to Pack a Punch

DANBURY, CT — The first day of spring is on Tuesday, but spring weather is staying at bay, at least for now, as a fourth Nor’Easter in one month threatens our area. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook now through Sunday which “will likely bring accumulating snow from late Tuesday night into Wednesday evening.”

NECN’s meteorologist said this could be enough to bring “plowable snow” and “cause delays and cancellations for Thursday morning.”

WFSB meteorologist Bruce DePrest stated that  light snow will begin early in the morning on Wednesday and then snow will become heavy at times, with strong winds. Snow is expected to end before dawn on Thursday. Depending on the track of the storm, some areas may receive significant snowfall of 6 inches or more, according to the NWS.

“We are forecasting 6-12 inches for much of the state,” DePrest said.

If area students have a snow day, many will be getting out in late June as snow day totals approach nearly two dozen for some schools.

Photo credit: Wendy Ann Mitchell