First Selectwoman Lyons Shares Grim News On Power Outages

MADISON, CT — When the sun set on Madison Wednesday night, more than 75 percent of the town was in the dark with no light at the end of the tunnel, just yet.

Living with a pandemic and in a virtual-only world, the last thing anyone needed was to be without electricity to power air conditioners and computers, refrigerators and lights. But according to First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons, who noted the fact with "great dismay," there's no power restoration timeline.

Lyons explained that with more than 60 roads throughout town blocked by trees and powerlines, "I know people are frustrated that crews have not come into their neighborhoods to remove trees and unblock roads."

"However, public safety must assume that any downed wire could be live and should be avoided until Eversource has deemed it safe. This can be a slow process given the extensive damage throughout Madison, but rest assured town employees are working hard to remove debris when possible. Please do not remove any road signs, cones or caution tape. They are there for a reason."

Lyons said that while she does not have good news to share, "Eversource remains focused on damage assessment and clearing the roads so that residents and emergency vehicles can pass. Given the extensive damage to the system, they expect this to be a multi-day restoration process, similar to Hurricane Sandy."

With power out for a "lengthy" period of time, some help

Lyons said the Town Campus Emergency Shelter will be open from 8:30 to 4:30 Thursday through at least this Sunday. Residents can use the facilities for charging cell phones, accessing potable water and accessing its limited shower facility. And on Thursday, shower facilities at Daniel Hand High School will be open to residents, "which includes improved and more extensive shower facilities." Lyons said residents can use the men’s and women’s locker rooms which are located by the Tiger Door back entrance of the school from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. She asked that folks bring your own toiletry items and use available cleaning supplies after showering.

Also beginning Thursday, hoses for potable water will be located in back of DHHS by the loading dock, and at Brown Intermediate School, in addition to Town Campus.

"Please remember to wear masks at all town facilities," she reminded.

About generators & car exhaust

Lyons said people with generators should run them outside of homes and as far away from windows, doors, and vents as possible.

She also said that people who are "charging your cell phone in your car, makes sure there is proper ventilation for the car’s exhaust. Do not close your garage door. We have reports of residents not following these guidelines."

Caring for seniors

Lyons said, "I know this continues to be a challenging time for our Senior Citizens."

Lyons said senior citizens without power that and need assistance for an urgent situation, please call 911. Otherwise, she said, please contact the Madison Senior Center at (203) 245-5627 and leave a message and someone will return your call to assist you.

And she asked citizens with neighbors who are seniors to, "Please take a moment to check on them in this difficult time. Community support for our most vulnerable will be critical over the next few days while we remain without power and water."