
NORWALK, Conn. – After getting photos of Norwalk Hurricane Sandy damage at 2 a.m., you don’t think I was up at 8 a.m., do you? Not a prayer!
But Mayor Richard Moccia and other city officials were up, holding a press conference at Norwalk Police headquarters, which they are using for their emergency operations center. Here is the gist of what happened, as reported by the city’s website:
- The Mayor Commended front line police, fire, public works and city employees as well as other agencies for their effort and expertise during this emergency.
- Responded to approximately 500 calls—the majority regarding power and trees. City Hall is without power so has been closed today. Being moved to top of priority list for restoration.
- Sewage treatment plant taken off line as a precaution around 9:30 and brought back up at around midnight.
- City water is safe.
- Widespread power and communication outages remain.
- Approximately 150 reports of trees down. Wires and trees down making travel difficult and dangerous throughout the city.
- Approximately 60% of city is without power (7:00 a.m.). Shelter will remain open today and tonight.
- Stay off roads Report wires down to CL&P.
- Take care of elderly and infirm neighbors
- Public works crews have begun to respond to streets blocked without wires. Coordination has begun with CL&P to clear streets affected by downed wires.
- City Hall is open. Employees asked to use good judgment in getting to work.
- Customer service lines are open (check on this) 203-854-3200.
Public Works update—Hal Alvord
- The sewerage Treatment plant was disconnected at 10:15 p.m., anticipating tidal surge. The surge did not exceed plant barriers. Power was restored at 12:15 a.m. and the plant is now in full operation.
- Assessing damage related to the storm. Will be working to clear roads and, with CL&P, to ensure all roads can be safely travelled as quickly as possible. Operations will move back to public works center.
Power Update— CL&P Dom Scerbo
- Approximately 60% of customers in Norwalk—18,000–without power at 7:00 a.m.
Top five areas:
- 4,700 New Canaan Ave and surrounding area.
- CT Ave. 1800.
- Rowayton Ave. 1150.
- Rockland Rd. 1,000.
- Roodner Court and the Ely Avenue area around it.
First priority: Safety and damage assessment. Tree crew will work directly with DPW today. Twenty tree crews will be assigned to the region.
Mayor:Emphasize schools as priority for restoration.
SNEW—John Hiscock.
- South Norwalk Center turned back on. With exception of marinas on Water Street which are being surveyed this morning.
- Residential areas being reviewed and surveyed for restoration. Expect an estimated time of full
Shelter Update—Michelle DeLuca
- Brien McMahon 241 residents sheltered overnight. Six dogs and three cats. Some people have already left this morning.
- Volunteers keeping residents (and their pets) comfortable and well fed. Meals will be served today. Shelter will remain open tonight.
Public Safety—Chief Kulhawik Chief McCarthy Fire response.
- Transformer explosions. Island Bell took a lot of resources.
- 100 Rescues with high water truck.
- Check on United Methodist Church Steeple on West Ave.
Police Response
- No serious injuries or incidences.
- Two commercial burglaries—smashed windows at Cumberland Farms on and Rainbow Variety on Main Ave.
- Will be delivering information to neighborhoods. Especially related to Carbon Monoxide issues.
Transit system—Louis Schulman.
- Busses taken off road except in emergency. No service this morning.
- Bringing vehicles back from staging at Community College to Transit District HQ today.
- Service is expected back in operation tomorrow morning.
Housing—
- Washington Village hardest hit. Totally evacuated.
- Will work with SNEW to assess safety and timing of power restoration.
General: 911 is to be used for emergency purposes only
- Report issues to City Customer Service 203 854 3200
- To report outage or find out restoration estimate contact local provider: CL&P at 800-286-2000, SNEW at 203-866-3366 Third TD at 203- 866-9271
Code Red message will be delivered relating to clean up, need for continued safety vigilance.
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