First Selectwoman Issues Fairfield Storm Update

From the Town of Fairfield:

August 5, 2020

Dear Fairfielders,

"Tropical Storm Isaias wreaked havoc on our town and our region yesterday. Moments ago, Governor Lamont declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread power outages.

While there was not significant rainfall or flooding, the sustained winds caused a great deal of damage to trees, power lines, and many residents' homes. Our DPW, Fire, and Police worked through the night to clear blocked roads and provide safe passage. We had over 575 storm related incidents reported. Although the link is currently down, you can check back later to view the live UI outage map here.

Last night Fairfield had over 63% of residents without power and today we are at 50%. This morning our Emergency Management Team and I held a command meeting at the Fairfield Police Station to update one another and to plan for the coming days ahead. During the meeting we spoke to the Town's representative to UI on a conference call to discuss their plans for restoration for our community. Unfortunately, due to the widespread damage, many residents may be without power for a few days. I will continue to stay in close contact and put pressure on UI to work quickly, and I will continue to provide updates to the community as I receive them.

Today at noon I provided a storm update with our Emergency Management Director Denis McCarthy and Captain Robert Kalamaras of the Fairfield PD. You can watch here.

Below are some important updates to note:

• The transfer station is without power and is therefore closed to haulers and residents. Brush and storm debris can be brought to We Care Denali for drop off. Click here for more information.
• The Department of Public Words (DPW) will continue to remove trees and branches in the roads as quickly as they can. Please note they cannot haul private trees from resident's curbs. Residents have reached out that they don't think DPW is clearing the trees fast enough. The storm happened less than 24 hours ago, and DPW cannot clear trees that are attached to wires or near any downed wires until UI has inspected and deemed it safe.
• Our DPW workers have shared concerns with me that some residents have approached them too closely without a face covering. Please be mindful that we are still under CDC guidelines so we can assure the safety of our town employees and residents.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from any downed wire and assume it is live.
• Many traffic lights are without power so please remain extra cautious when approaching intersections or traffic lights that are out.
• Currently Lake Mohegan and Jennings Beach are CLOSED due to storm damage. We will do everything we can to get them reopened soon.
• Portable back-up generators produce the poison gas carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill.
• Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
• Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.
• For more information - https://www.cdc.gov/co/generatorsafetyfactsheet.html
• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out.
• More information on safe food storage here:
  https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
• Residents in need of groceries or meal deliveries, please call social services at 203.256.3170.
• Need to charge up? Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road) and the Fairfield Senior Center (100 Mona Terrace). Please remember your face coverings.

For true emergencies, please dial 911.To reach UI, dial 1-800-722-5584 or visit ui.net. For storm information please visit www.fairfieldct.org/storm.

I know that it's frustrating to be without power especially after everything we have gone through during the pandemic. I ask you to please be patient as the town works to clean up the widespread damage from storm. I will continue to stay in contact with UI and I will be meeting again with the Emergency Management Team this afternoon, and will provide updates as I receive them. Please be careful and stay safe."

Sincerely,

Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman

EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
The Town of Fairfield will no longer be utilizing the current alert system known as Code Red to issue emergency and community alerts to residents and business owners. We are switching to a new system.

In order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up again. Visit www.fairfieldct.org/alerts

BIGELOW CENTER
The Bigelow Center and Fairfield Social Services are here to help in the aftermath of the hurricane. Remember, you are safe at home, not stuck at home. Please follow the guidelines from the Health Department about food safety and what to do if you are without power.

If you need emergency groceries, Operation Hope is continuing its Food Pantry. The hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 – 12:00 PM and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If you cannot get to Operation Hope, please call Fairfield Social Services (203-256-3170) or the Bigelow Center (203-256-3166) to arrange for emergency, shelf-ready groceries from the Food Pantry to be delivered by a Senior Center bus. We are in this together.

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This press release was produced by the Town of Fairfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.