Todd Soldate, of Hartland, Conn., fills four gasoline containers that will be used for emergency power generators and snowplowing as residents prepare for the upcoming snowfall. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD- Both Westfield and Southwick are prepared for the upcoming snowstorm expected to come our way today.
The Office of Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and the Westfield Department of Public Works announced a parking ban will be in effect beginning at noon today. There is no on street parking until further notice.
Knapik stated “I strongly recommend that citizens stay off the roads for the duration of the storm. This storm is predicted to bring heavy snow and high winds and could pose a great danger to those persons travelling. For your own safety, please stay at home.”
Director of Emergency Management for the City of Westfield Jim Wiggs said that, just like before any other winter storm, trucks are fueled and ready to go. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm ahead of time to make sure they have all the necessities, and to stay at home and off the roads during the storm.
Southwick Emergency Management Director Charles Dunlap said the Department of Public Works has also checked and fueled all of its equipment, plows have been applied, and they have scheduled personnel on hand. At 11 a.m. Thursday morning, there was a pre-storm planning meeting with all the departments to make sure all problems were addressed and fixed. Dunlap also added that “the lessons learned from the October 2011 snowstorm should be applied to this storm and storms like it.”
Danny Scibelli, owner of Scibelli’s Mobile in Southwick, said they have “absolutely” seen an increase in gas sales. On Thursday alone, Scibelli said they have seen double to triple what they normally would sell on a Thursday and that most customers come with at least one gas can to fill as well.
Brian Kelley, of Agway Westfield Home and Garden, said many customers have come in to buy rock salt, ice melters, and snowblower parts in preparation for the upcoming storm.
