South Windsor Police Chief Provides Snow Safety Guidelines

Though the worst of the snowfall appears to be over, South Windsor Chief of Police Matthew Reed is reminding residents to keep a number of safety measures in mind.

Indeed, with about 30 inches of snow on the ground, it’s tempting for many people to break out their snowmobiles and ATVs.

Reed requested that people use extra precautions with their recreational vehicles.

“Unfortunately, this is the time when things happen,” Reed said.

Snowmobiles and ATVs are not authorized to be on the roads in Connecticut, said Reed, noting that while people who go to Vermont and New Hampshire may be accustomed to seeing such vehicles on the road, such usage is rare here.

“People who live here aren’t used to that,” Reed said.

In addition, in the event of an accident, public safety vehicles cannot easily navigate the roads at this point, Reed said.

“If someone is injured, we do not have magical ambulances or police cars; we have the same limitations as everyone else has with their vehicles,” said Reed, adding that people should take extra measures to make sure they stay safe.”

Reed also reminded people of the following:

• state law requires that people remove all of the snow off their cars, including the roofs and windshields.

• tell children (and adults) not to burrow in the snow, as a person's body heat can melt the roof of the makeshift cave, causing a collapse.

• if possible, keep hydrants clear of snow.