Ellington: Shelter Open, No School Monday

With all of Ellington still without power, more people are using the services provided at the town's emergency shelter.

Sunday night about 50 people were at the shelter, ready to bed down on a cot in the gymnasium in order to stay warm, according to First Selectman Maurice Blanchette.

"It’s gotten a bit colder and by now the houses that were semi-comfortable last night are now intolerably cool, mine included," Blanchette said.

A steady stream of people used the high school Sunday to charge their phones and computers and to warm up. Blanchette said he expects the numbers to grow the more that time goes and residents remain without electricity. He fears that the amount in need will exceed the materials available; the town has 150 cots available for people at the shelter.

If you do choose to spend the night in the shelter know that the town will provide a cot, blanket and pillow but all other toiletries and bedding must be brought from home.

Pets are allowed at the shelter, but must be kept in a crate and will be housed in a separate room.

Communication in town continues to be a struggle as many of the telephone lines and cell towers were affected by the storm. If you can get through and have questions about what is available in town or need help call the Emergency Operations Center at 860-870-3178. The center will be manned throughout the night and into tomorrow, Blanchette said.

In addition, wires remain down in many areas throughout town and school has been canceled for Monday. The town Department of Public Works crew was out the better part of Saturday and Sunday trying to clear the roads, Blanchette said. They have removed as many trees as they can safely and are waiting for line crews from Connecticut Light & Power to clear the rest, Blanchette said.

"Our concern is with the frost expected tonight more trees and branches will come down. We're hoping that the promised higher temperatures will come true and take some of the weight off the trees," the first selectman said.

He warned people to not try to cross the down wires or remove the trees themselves.

Blanchette and the rest of the emergency services team will continue to monitor the roads and power situation. For now, the 8 foot-by-4 foot white board at the center, housed in the ambulance building, remains filled with road closures and columns filled with other issues that need to be addressed.

"It's going to take time and it's going to take the CL&P line crews," Blanchette said.