Storm Updates, Day Six: Restoration Underway But Little Has Changed

Five separate Connecticut Light & Power crews were working actively Thursday to restore electricity to homes and businesses throughout Southington, but town officials have expressed angst with CL&P communications.

Frustration is beginning to mount for local residents, with 7,186 CL&P customers without power as of 1:45 p.m. Thursday, representing 37 percent of the town. There are still 417,676 CL&P customers, or 33 percent throughout the state who are still in the dark.

Town officials said most of the crews were on the eastern side of town, addressing issues and attempting to restore power within the community. All roads are open, although some remain partially blocked due to remaining debris from the storm.

Across the state, municipal leaders have been in contact with state officials regarding restoration efforts and during a noon phone call Thursday, many area leaders expressed frustration with a lack of communications outside a Sunday night estimate to have 99 percent of power restored, both in Southington and across the state.

"We are experiencing a dearth of valid information, and even those we are getting to talk to us from CL&P are not knowledgeable or wrong,” Brumback said on the phone conference Thursday.

Questions have arisen as to the status of repairs and public officials on both the state and municipal levels are expressing concerns that CL&P has not made progress towards reaching their Sunday goal.

CL&P President and Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Butler said Thursday morning that "we are still aiming for the goal of 99 percent restoration by midnight on Sunday."

Southington Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma said the town is working alongside CL&P or outside crews assigned to recovery in order to assure safety and help expedite the process. Police knew little more about when everything would be restored, however.

"All we can do is ask people to be patient at this point," DePalma said. "There will be some additional outages as power is turned off temporarily to make repairs. If you are around a wire that may be down, please be careful as some may still be charged."

Other Southington Updates:
Shelters and Warming Centers
The town continues to operate to a 24-hour shelter at , 388 Pleasant St., for these seeking an escape from the weather. The shelter is open to anyone in need and includes charging stations to help people recharge their cell phones, laptops and more.

The center may close on Friday if power is restored, but people in need will not be turned away. No official decision has been made just yet.

In addition, a charging and warming station has been established at the and people have been taking advantage of it, said Susan Smayda, library director.

Free Showers
Free shower facilities have been established at the . Please bring your own toiletries.

The YMCA is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and children are required to use bathing suits, which is part of the YMCA policy. The showers are open to both members and non-members.

Food and Other Services
Garry Brumback said most commercial sectors are open, including all supermarkets and grocery stores.Places including on Queen Street are offering specials to provide hot meals for residents.

Southington Roads
All roads have been reopened, although some lanes remain partially blocked, police said. Use caution when driving and do not drive over any downed wires as they may still be actively charged.

Fire Hazards
The 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 manufacturer’s instructions!

Bulky Waste Transfer Station
The Bulky Waste transfer station is open today through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for brush drop-off. Brush will not be collected curbside.

The town is currently working with state officials in an effort to provide curbside pick-up of debris from the storm. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Leaf Pickup
Leaf pick will not begin on Wednesday. Leaf pick up will begin on Monday, Nov. 7. 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 Southington officials to report that they will pick up trash from their customers, and they are on schedule.

Schools
Schools are closed for the remainder of the week and should there be additional problems with power restoration, a decision will be made over the weekend regarding next week.