Community Corner

[Latest Info: 4:47 p.m.] Brumback: Update on Schools, Shelter, Power and More

Town Manager Garry Brumback said schools will remain closed through Wednesday, shelter and recharge stations will remain open and crews are working to restore power.

Updated Monday, 4:47 p.m.

Several roads remain closed as town staff work to clear remaining debris and 12,602 residents are still without power, or 65 percent of the town, as Connecticut Light & Power crews attempt to begin restoring power to Southington citizens.

Garry Brumback said he's received a lot of questions from residents and elected officials in regard to the state of the town and reported the following updates Monday afternoon.

See the letter and updates personally .

Power
After assessments, Sunday and early Monday, five roads remained closed due to fallen wires and trees. Crews worked throughout the night, Brumback said, and were able to reduce that number from 18 as of late Sunday night, he said, using a CL&P liaison and dedicated crews to address the problem.

CL&P has dedicated one crew already to work specifically within Southington to address power outages.

Jeffrey Butler, president and CEO of CL&P, said the company is working as quickly as possible but said residents should be prepared to be without power for up to a week.

"We are hoping to begin restoration this afternoon but don't have any CL&P crews dedicated to that effort at this time," Brumback said Monday. "We will keep you posted on the restoration of power as information becomes available."

Schools
Joseph V. Erardi Jr. has made the decision to keep schools closed through Wednesday and will address again at that time whether it is prudent to open.

Ten of the town's 12 schools are without power at this time and with problems in multiple areas around town, it is unknown when power could be restored to all of them, Brumback said.

Again, schools will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and more information on when schools would reopen will be provided following an assessment Wednesday.  

Shelters
The Community Emergency Response Team, with the support of Southington staff and emergency personnel, will continue to operate , 388 Pleasant St., as a 24 hour shelter to help local residents who are without power. The center includes food, beverages and cots for people to use.

There were as many as 40 residents there at one time on Sunday as people sought shelter from colder temperatures or food. The Calendar House has the capacity to hold 120 people comfortably, Brumback said.

"We will keep it open as long as necessary," Brumback reiterated Monday. "Should the weather continue to deteriorate and the need arises, we are preparing plans for a backup shelter at this time."

Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., town officials are also using the the , 255 Main St., as a warming and charging shleter to give people an escape. There are specially designated areas for people to charge cell phones and other equipment.

Showers
The has opened their doors for residents to take a warm shower and clean up each day. Executive Director John Myers said members and non-members alike are welcome to come use the showers due to the extensive number of power outages.

"If they become overwhelmed, we are preparing for a backup shower point at one of the middle schools, the location of which is to be determined," Brumback said.

The YMCA is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

Food and Fuel (Updated)
All of our grocery stores are open and food is available and being delivered on a daily basis, according to managers at , Shop-Rite, and . Brumback said that as of Monday morning, most our gas stations are also open and have been restocked with fuel.

Brumback said people can also take advantage of products and goods at Lowes Home Improvement on West Street and both Home Depot locations, one and the second .

There are significant lines at most gas stations as people continue to fill not only their cars but are getting gallons for clean up efforts and generators and Brumback is asking residents to be prepared for a wait and be patient.

Editors Note: If you are going to get gas, be prepared for a 45 minutes wait. I ventured out today myself and the lines are long, but station owners are working to control traffic and move people in and out as quickly as possible. Please be patient.

Recovery
(Updated)
Leaf Pickup has been delayed for a week and will commence on Monday, Nov. 7, Brumback said. The schedule will now impact all of the zones going forward as the entire process will be delayed a week.

The town's Bulky Waste Transfer Station is open for "brush only" beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m. and will remain open during regular business hours throughout the week, including Saturday, for residents to be able to dispose of their brush. 

"Later this week, we will assess the need to bring state contractors in to assist in brush removal," Brumback said. "This will be at town expense and may be reimbursable (through federal aid). If we can avoid this we will, but if it is necessary to recovery we will make sure that we get brush removal."

Safety (Updated: IMPORTANT)
Several traffic lights are still not functioning properly, according to emergency personnel. Police and fire officials said residents should be aware of potential hazards if they are moving around town.

"Handle every traffic light that is not working as a 4-way stop," Brumback said.

Town officials are also hopeful that weather reports will help melt snow away by the end of the week. Temperatures could rise to the high 40s and low 50s daytime and the nights are expected to be in the low to mid 30s.

Police are urging residents to be on the look out for black ice, especially at night.

Chief Harold Clark is warning town residents to be extremely cautious in the use of portable heaters, packaged logs, candles and burners in efforts to stay warm. It may seem like a good idea, but can also be dangerous.

“There may be a potential fire hazard as well as carbon monoxide hazard,” he said. “If you are going to use these products, do so only while following the manufacturers recommendations.”olice are asking residents to be cautious at night and be on the look out for patches of black ice that could develop.

Halloween
"
We recognize that the conditions are not conducive to a safe Halloween and are recommending that parents not take their kids out tonight," Brumback said. "However, it is not a town holiday and the decision on whether or not children trick or treat is up to the parent."


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