Good evening.
This is Captain Mark Kordick of the Town of Greenwich Police Department with the daily update on Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts for Monday, November 5
th from the Town’s Emergency Operations Center.
The Town remains in a declared state of emergency and the Emergency Operations Center is open. As of this evening, 19% of Connecticut Light and Power customers in Town remain without service. At total of 170 line crews, 80 tree crews and 31 pole set crews are at work in Greenwich. CL&P still cannot provide a solid timetable for complete restoration of all service in Greenwich.
Temperatures tonight are expected to be near or slightly below freezing. The shelter at Eastern Middle School remains open on a 24-hour basis. If you are without power and heat, there is no reason to remain at home, in the dark and be cold. Please feel free to come to the shelter.
A Nor’easter is scheduled to arrive in our area Wednesday night into Thursday. We are watching this storm closely in the Emergency Operations Center. Wind gusts up to 60 MPH are considered possible along the coast. A storm surge 3 to 5 feet above normal is predicted but fortunately, the astronomical tides are low this week. Still, some local flooding may be possible, and with Sandy leaving so many compromised trees and structures behind, the winds may be problematic. Please watch the forecast and be prepared for this weather event – especially if wind or flooding predictions worsen.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a real danger. Never use generators indoors or allow them to run near open doors or windows. Never allow vehicles to run inside garages, even with the garage door open. Never use a stove or oven for heat.
Please do not leave debris, wood or leaf piles on any part of the Town right of way or on the paved portion of any street. Not only is it unsafe for pedestrians, motorists and emergency vehicles, it is discourteous to your neighbors, and most importantly, it is illegal. For those of you looking to do something to assist your community’s first responders, not obstructing streets with debris is really very, very helpful to us.
The Holly Hill Lane Transfer Station will be open tomorrow from 7am to 4pm and residents may dispose of their own storm-related organic debris at no cost. Commercial landscapers and haulers are still required to pay normal fees.
As a reminder, schools are closed tomorrow for Election Day. All polling places in Greenwich will be open. Please take the time to come out and vote.
And now the news everyone is anxious to hear: The Town is suggesting that those residents who wish to engage in Halloween Trick-or-Treating do so this Sunday, November 11
th from 4 to 8 pm. With the time change and the early onset of darkness, we are encouraging children to get out early and return home before dark.
If you are cold and have no power or if you need water, food or other essential assistance, please feel free to call the Greenwich Police Department’s non-emergency number at 203-622-8000 for help.
Residents will be updated via this same system tomorrow evening. Until then, please be patient, remain civil, keep warm and stay safe.