Community Corner

[Updated 1:10 p.m.] Wednesday Updates: Restoration by Sunday, Shelters and Other Information

The good news? Most power should be on by Sunday. The bad news? Some power won't be on until Sunday.

Update 1:10 p.m.
Southington schools will remain CLOSED for the remainder of the week. Many schools have had power returned, but there are still a few without including Flanders and Thalberg.

In addition, school officials want to make sure roads are safe for travelers and most residents are able to safely prepare for the school day in their homes before resuming classes, officials said.

Original story:
With restoration efforts now well underway, Southington is finally seeing some positive changes in the number of residents around the community without power.

As of 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Connecticut Light & Power officials said there was still 8,875 Southington customers without electricity and more than 546,000 CL&P customers statewide who were left in the dark.

“By tomorrow morning we intend to have all 149 towns in our service territory with projections of when 99 percent of their power will be restored,” said Jeffrey Butler, president and chief operating officer of CL&P, during a morning briefing with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and United Illuminating President William Reis.

CL&P has placed this list of restoration estimates on its website on when they will be 99 percent restored. Southington and many of the surrounding  towns are expected to have "99 percent of its power restored" by Sunday at 11:59 p.m., according to the utility company.

But Butler added that he was also “extremely frustrated” with the situation.  

“To go through two record events in two months, it’s something I haven’t dealt with in my career,” Butler said. “We’re here to serve customers and to have large number of customers out for an extended period of time is something that has frustrated us as well."

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.

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
Yesterday, Garry Brumback put out a list of places that were open for business, letting people know where to go for their gas, pharmacy needs, food and more. Today, the news is even better.

Many of the town's major commercial districts have been restored at this point. There are still long lines as some do not have all the basic necessities at home so please be patient, town officials asked.

Southington Roads
At the end of the day Tuesday, there were still six road closures. All roads have been reopened except Beechwood Drive near Woodland Drive, police said.

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.

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
A decision will be made by 4 p.m. today regarding the status of classes for the rest of the week. As of Wednesday morning, officials said power had been restored to five of the schools and progress of the restoration efforts Wednesday will help determine when classes would resume.


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