Guilford Recovery in Sandy's Aftermath: What You Need To Know

Yesterday was Day Two of recovery from Sandy here in Guilford, and progress seems steady. Guilford Patch reported from the EOC, and posted updates on the Guilford Info Center throughout the day. As we move into Day Three of recovery, here is what you need to know:

Power Outages:

According to CL&P's outage map, as of 10:30 last night, 7537 households are without power, 69% of those served. At 10 AM Wednesday morning, 9,070 households were out of power, 84% of the customer base.

CL&P states that they will have a time line for restoration this morning. CL&P explains their approach to restoration in this video.

School Closures and Sports:

Guilford Board of Education decided to close Public Schools for today. They will continue to make decisions on a day to day basis.

The CIAC also decided to change tournament schedules for many sports events.

Halloween:

Halloween was officially cancelled by the town yesterday, but Bishops Orchards held pumpkin carving throughout the day as an alternative. Many Guilford residents stopped by, some in costume, to enjoy some seasonal festivities.

Gov. Malloy Visits

Gov. Malloy, Sen. Blumenthal, Sen. Ed Meyer and Cindy Cartier all toured Guilford yesterday afternoon with First Selectman Joeseph Mazza. The group visited Indian Cove and Vineyard Point to witness the damage of the storm first hand.

Malloy also did a briefing yesterday about the Power Outages, encouraging residents and town officials to be more patient with restoration efforts.

Elections

With Sandy in the headlines, it's easy to forget that elections are coming up quickly. Even though many are without power, elections will continue as planned.

Resources and Openings in Town

There are continually more and more options available in town for charging electronics, food, water, and coffee.

The Community Center is OPEN.  For those needing it, breakfast, lunch and dinner is being provided. Charging stations are available for electronic devices. A limited number of shower facilities are available and Emergency Overnight facilities are available.

Water is available to be picked up by residents. Bring your own containers to; Police Station (RT 77), North Guilford Fire House, Community Center, Bishop’s Orchards, and Guilford Lakes Golf Course. There are also several other nearby filling stations.

According to an official update from the town, these were the locations open for business yesterday morning:

• Guilford Food Center

• Bishops Orchard (Whose kitchen is open for a hot meal!)
• Celantros
• First Garden
• Nick & Tony’s Pizza
• Quattros
• Augers Pub
• Big Y
• Sunnyside Up
• Boss Pizza
• Pages Hardware (who also continues to get shipments of emergency supplies)
• Frank’s Package Store
• Shoreline Wine

Dunkin Donuts was also open. Later on in the day, CVS and Walmart were able to open their doors to customers. Guilford Savings Bank released a statement that their Guilford location is partially open, and they are offering free charging stations, coffee and cookies. Bufalina Restaurant and KC's also opened later in the day.

Augers Irish Pub posted this on their Facebook Page:

For anyone looking to get out of their house tonight we have Wednesday Night Trivia on from 9-11. Hot food, Cold Beer....Lots of good company. Of course you are welcome to come down at any time and use the wifi, charge phone, eat a hot meal and relax. We hope everyone faired the storm with minimal to no damage.

The Mad Gourmet is also open for business according to their Facebook status:

Hey hungrey friends on the Shoreline....We are open!!!!!! Come see us for soup, sandwiches, wraps and a few entrees.....also if you need water..fill up here.

The Hidden Kitchen is open today with full power.

Ella Where She shops is also open.

Waste Management

The Town Transfer Station is now open to handle spoiled food and other waste. The Stump Dump is also open for tree and limb debris.

Road Closures and Danger Zones

There are still many downed trees and wires around town. As of yesterday afternoon, this is the official list of danger zones in the area.

Jacobs Beach, Chittenden Park and Chaffinch Island Park are also closed.

Sachems Head was finally accessible as of yesterday afternoon.

Travel

Shore Line East Website posted the following message concerning their services:

"Shore Line East train service will resume Thursday morning, November 1st. Please be aware no connections will be available west of New Haven. Some slight delays may be possible. Thank you for your patience during this storm and recovery effort. "

In addition, Amtrak will begin operating some limited service between New Haven and Springfield, and between Boston and Washington DC.

According to a press release, The Governor has also waived all rail fares for Thursday and Friday's Metro-North rail service making rides into Grand Central free for the next two days.

Safety

Yesterday, the Town Facebook Page posted this message:

The Fire Department has been receiving a substantial amount of calls in regards to Carbon Monoxide alarms. They remind you that safe operation of generators dictate that they be operated a minimum of 20' from your house. In the corner of your garage or by the garage door does not meet this requirement.

Destruction and Recovery

Stepping outside, it is clear that Sandy hit Guilford hard. But most seem optimistic about recovering from the impact.

Apple Rehab residents were able to return home early yesterday morning.

Guilford Art Center is also returning to their normal scheduling, and said this on Facebook:

We know it’s been a really difficult week, but we at Guilford Art Center have power and are opening our annual Artistry Holiday Sale of Fine Craft & Art on Friday, November 2. You are welcome to join us at the opening reception, 5-8pm, to take a break, see the gorgeous handcrafted works, enjoy a glass of wine, and mingle.

The Stone House, who is yet again having to recover from a big blow posted this enlightening statement on their Facebook page:

After day 1 of clean up for the hurricane we have become oddly positive. We are now thinking we are thankful that Irene taught us how to prepare for things like this. But we could not keep going without the support for everyone in this wonderful community. And to that we thank each and every one of you!

Please stay tuned to Guilford Patch and our Facebook Page for updates as Guilford recovers from Sandy's blow.