Latest Southington Storm Services Update as of 4:00 p.m.

The following information was shared via Gary Brumback, Town Manager:

CL&P/Power Information: CL&P states they are continuing the power restoration phase. Power has been restored to many residents however we still have approx 1555 (8%) CL&P customers without power. CL&P stated that crews will be in Southington tomorrow completing repairs. As soon as we have the exact numbers of crews, we will report it at that time. CL&P also states that power should be restored to all schools by Saturday, allowing for a Monday opening.

As a reminder, the quickest, most efficient way to obtain information when your power is to be restored is by calling or texting CL&P directly. CL&P's phone number is 1 800 286 2000 or text to 24612 and type in the message:  Outage (space) and your zip code. Please report your power outage to CL&P. Your home may be the only house in your neighborhood without power.

Please do not call the Town Hall or Police Department for this info.

Please stay away from any downed wires. Downed wires are especially dangerous since they can be energized from either CL&Ps system or customer owned emergency generators.

Shelter (***CLOSED***): The Calendar House located at 388 Pleasant Street that was designated as Southington’s emergency shelter is closed. Any Southington resident needing emergency shelter after this time is ask to call the Southington Police Department’s dispatch center at 860-621-0101 for assistance.

Schools: CL&P states that power should be restored to all schools by Saturday, allowing a for Monday opening.

Debris Disposal: The majority of the Town Council has approved the Town of Southington to piggyback on state contracts for curbside pickup of storm related debris with state approved contractors. The Town will be reimbursed up to 75% of the cost by FEMA. The debris pickup will include brush, tree limbs, and other small natural debris.  The tentative start date for debris pickup will be November 14, 2011. More information to follow.

Bulky Waste Transfer Station: The Bulky Waste Station will be CLOSED this Sunday but will REOPEN on Monday, November 7, and remain open through Saturday, November 12, to receive BRUSH ONLY, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Roads: All roads are open.

Free Showers NEW INFO: (Weekend Hours) Free shower facilities have been established at the YMCA. Please bring your own toiletries. The Y opens at 5:00a.m. and closes at 10:00p.m.  Y policy: children need bathing suits. Please note weekend hours: Saturday - 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday – 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fire Hazards: The Southington Fire Department is warning residents about the use of portable heaters, packaged logs, candles, and burners. There may be a potential fire hazard as well as a carbon monoxide hazard. Follow all manufactures’ recommendations!

Leaf Pickup: Leaf pick will not begin on Wednesday. Leaf pick up will begin on Monday November 7th 2011 for Zone 1. A complete revised list will be published in the near future. No brush or sticks can be mixed in with the leaves.

Rubbish Removal: Waste Material Trucking Company has contacted Town officials to report that they will pick up trash from their customers, and they are on schedule.

Health Department Warnings - Food Dangers, Carbon Monoxide, Drinking Water: 

 Food Safety: When in doubt, throw it out!                                                  

• The refrigerator will keep food at proper temperature for about four hours if the doors are not opened. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for 48 hours (24 hours if half full). 

• If the temperature in your refrigerator or freezer goes above 40 degrees, throw away perishable foods such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and cut fruits and vegetables. 

Drinking Water 
• Listen for reports from your public water supply system to learn if your water is safe. 
• If an advisory has been issued concerning contaminated water, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and hand washing. 
THE SOUTHINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT REPORTS NO CONTAMINATION ISSUES AT THIS TIME. 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning: 
• Place your generator at least 20 feet from the house and away from windows, doors and vents. Never use a generator indoors or inside of a garage, basement, or on a porch. 
• DO NOT use charcoal or gas grills, gas lanterns or camping stoves indoors. 
• Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside and dial 9-1-1. 

Remember Medications - If you are leaving home to stay with a friend or family member, at a shelter or at a warming center, remember to bring all prescription and non-prescription medications, including insulin and testing supplies. Remember to contact your medical supplier to have medical supplies delivered to where you are sheltering, if necessary. 

Check on Family, Friends and Neigbors - Call or visit family, friends, or neighbors who are homebound, have special needs, or who live alone and may need help. Dial 2-1-1 for assistance if someone needs shelter or power for life-sustaining medical devices.