As Governor Declares Emergency, Half Of Branford Without Power

BRANFORD, CT — While he stood on the steps of Branford's Town Hall, Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency. The declaration authorizes the governor to order certain actions that will help expedite the response.

Lamont deployed the Connecticut National Guard Response Force and two search and rescue teams to Branford and East Haven to assist in the response and roadway clearance teams were also sent to North Haven.

"You were hit harder than any other community in the state. Branford was hit really hard," Lamont said. "If you're one of those still without power, none of this is acceptable."

It wasn't just trees that were toppled by the no-name storm, but "telephone poles being lifted off and snapped," Lamont said he was told. "This gives you an idea of the force of the winds here."

Eversource response, power restoration estimates

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said that Eversource's response in getting power back to the thousands without in Branford, who just weeks ago were without power for more than six days following a Tropical Storm, will be closely watched. And he said he will go to the state utility regulatory authority to make sure there are reimbursements to customers.

"Right now the challenge is getting the lights back on. I will be watching to see if Eversource does better this time around then they did last time. I hope they will. But the citizens of Connecticut deserve better."

All of Branford was without power from Thursday around 4 p.m. until Friday morning. As of 2 p.m., nearly 8,000 were still without power in Branford.

Eversource Electric Operations President Craig Hallstrom vowed to have the town up and running by midnight but admitted we have to "work our tails off to do that."

In a statement released from First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove after the media event, it was noted that, "We do not have estimated restoration times. We are asking for everyone’s patience as we tackle the enormous tasks ahead of us."

Important information for residents from Cosgrove
· Please do not call the police or fire departments for power outage status. They are overwhelmed with emergency calls related to the storm.
· Please call 911 to report any carbon monoxide alarms.
· We are asking residents limit travel and please use extreme caution if you have to travel and DO NOT go around or through areas that are marked off by yellow tape or barriers.
· Assume that all downed power lines are live. If you see a downed wire, call Eversource at 800-286-2000 or 911 to report it.
· Before you use a generator, make sure it is connected by a qualified electrician. Always operate it outdoors and as far from the house as possible. Keep it away from doors, windows and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
· All Restaurants without power or a generator previously approved by the town must remain closed at this time.

· Curbside Collection of tree debris will be begin next week. The Town will send crews to pick up and/or chip tree limbs that are less than 8 feet in length and up to 8” in diameter.
· Charging stations are available at: Branford Fire Headquarters, 45 North Main St.; Town Hall, 1019 Main St. There are outlets available outside in each of those locations.
· The Joe Trapasso Community House located at 46 Church Street will continue to remain open as a cooling center for Branford Residents today until to 7:00 p.m. Please ring the doorbell located at the rear entrance. All visitors must adhere to the following COVID-19 Safety Protocols.