Preventing Snow Storm Gridlock

By DEBRA BOGSTIE

Updated 1:08 PM EDT, Fri, Dec 19, 2008

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It's a storm many workers in Hartford can't forget. That's because on December 13, 2007, many of them sat in their cars for hours trying to get home from work. The highways in and out of the city were clogged after heavy snow prompted the state and many private companies to dismiss workers early. The problem: they all let out at the same time.

With another mid-day storm on its way, the state and major employers are taking a different approach to avoid a repeat of last year. After that storm, Gov. M. Jodi Rell contacted the 12 largest employers in the Hartford area to launch a system to coordinate early dismissals.

Rell just sent a letter to those companies reminding them of the process, which will be conducted by email or conference call. "The safety and well-being of our employees is a foremost concern for all of us," said Rell in the letter.

Many companies have enhanced their own storm preparation efforts. For example, Hartford companies like Phoenix and Aetna are encouraging employees to work from home if they can.

Also, Aetna has its own team monitoring conditions to decide if workers should leave early. The company says any dismissals will be staggered by departments. "We're very flexible in allowing people to work from home, make the time up if possible, but it's a balancing act," said Daniel Aloi, Aetna's Business Continuity Manager. "We need to be there for our customers and our membership, as well as worry about employee safety."

The state Department of Transportation says its trucks are ready for the storm with 632 trucks. Some trucks were out pre-treating highways and bridges Thursday afternoon. "Stay back. Do not pass a plow truck. Give us room," said Jack Tine, the general supervisor of the Farmington garage. "Let us put the material down and your ride home will be a lot easier."

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Preventing Snow Storm Gridlock