Town Adjusting to New Challenges

Southington Highway Department staff and a dedicated Connecticut Light & Power crew have continued to address problems throughout the community, but the town is facing new challenges today after police lost their telephone lines early Tuesday afternoon.

Garry Brumback said the phone lines went dead as official were addressing utility issues along Lazy Lane. The remains open and is powered, but landlines are unavailable due to AT&T service issues, he said.

"Residents should be assured that all 9-1-1 services are still available," Brumback said. "The services were redirected through Cheshire and the rest of our dispatch equipment remains in service."

If residents are aware of additional wires that have fallen, they should contact CL&P directly to report the problem in the meantime. CL&P can be reached at (800) 286-2000.

There are currently 10,890 customers in Southington without power, according to CL&P reports. There are 668,000 CL&P customers still without power in Connecticut.

No restoration time-line has been provided for Southington.

In addition, the growing need for help with massive power outages have led Community Emergency Response Team members to establish a third warming and charging center at the . The school is right across the street from the 24-hour shelter at , 388 Pleasant St. in Southington.

On Monday night, the Calendar House provided sleeping arrangements for 57 people, staff said, and those seeking help in getting hot food and beverages has exceeded 100.

Brumback said for the time being, DePaolo will be used as a place for food and charging but additional beds are being established to help address any needs regarding people seeking a place to sleep.

"We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide help to our residents in any way we can," Brumback said.