Good Afternoon,
This is First Selectman Vicki Tesoro with an important storm update:
We currently have two UI make safe crews working in town to clear wires from the trees to open the roads. This is the first step towards restoration. These crews will transition from make safe to restoration once all areas are deemed safe. This method of power restoration is developed and regulated by the Public Utilities Regulation Authority. The town can’t alter this plan.
I sympathize with everyone about this situation that has been made more difficult as we continue to deal with the COVID crisis at the same time. It’s already a stressful situation that has been made worse. Our town employees are supporting UI to restore power as quickly as possible. Both UI workers and Town workers are working around the clock to rectify this situation. This storm created an extensive amount of damage throughout the town. According to our UI representative it is going to take a number of days to restore power fully.
Please know that our Emergency Management Department and Public Works and Parks Departments are working diligently to ensure everyone’s safety.
I need to ask for your patience and understanding once again. The Town can only remove trees once the utilities have removed any hazards.
The following update is from our Parks Superintendent:
All parks are currently closed due to extensive storm damage. Town pools will NOT open tomorrow, Thursday, August 6th, due to the lack of electricity. Once power is restored to the pools, it will take additional time to re-balance the chemical system and assure proper operation of the filtration system. You can expect the pools to remain closed for at least the next few days.
The summer camp program WILL open for Thursday, August 6th.
Unity Park and the Trumbull High School athletic campus WILL be open starting on Thursday for scheduled athletic activities. Indian Ledge Park will NOT open for athletic events or any other activity due to hazardous conditions.
The Rails to Trails, or the Pequonnock River Trail, is closed to ALL activity. Overhead hazards, as well as obstacles on the trail, do not allow passage of walkers, riders, and, most importantly, emergency vehicles should someone require assistance. The trail is impassable at this time. I urge you to stay off the trail for your safety until such time as the Parks Department can clear the debris and hazardous overhead conditions. Please do not remove barricades or caution tape at any time.
I’m requesting that everyone follow these restrictions and guidelines to protect your safety. We will reopen these Town facilities as soon as it is safe to do so.
Also I want to emphasize again that due to the COVID crisis, local shelters are not open at this time. Residents that need assistance please call 211. The first choice should be to shelter with family or neighbors, if possible.
Please be careful and stay safe.
Thanks for listening.