For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 203-404-7751
Email: john@jgpr.net

North Haven Fire Department Provides Updates on Storm Damage

NORTH HAVEN —  Fire Chief Paul Januszewski reports that the North Haven Fire Department and Police Department have responded to more than 200 calls for service since the outbreak of severe weather earlier this afternoon.

Approximately 20 percent of the town is without power as of 7:30 p.m. Chief Januszewski expects this number to rise as The United Illuminating Company and fire crews work to remove hazards from the roadways. As trees and live wires are removed, electrical service will be cut to additional homes and businesses and work will begin to restore service as soon as possible.

The Town of North Haven has opened North Haven High School (221 Elm St.) as an area of refuge for citizens who need to go to a dry building and/or charge cell phones and electronic devices.

Any resident who requires transportation to the High School should call 203-239-5321, and a staff member will log names and addresses. Connecticut Transit has made a bus available that will pick up residents and bring them to NHHS.

Several dozen trees have fallen in town and there are reports of many trees and power lines that have fallen onto houses or vehicles. The North Haven Fire Department is working with the North Haven Building Office to ensure that all buildings are safe.

United Illuminating has opened its Emergency Operations Center and is working with cities and towns in its service area to prioritize and respond to calls for service and service restoration. The Town of North Haven is in constant communication with UI.

DO NOT APPROACH DOWNED WIRES

Chief Januszewski urgently reminds all residents to assume that all downed wires are electrified. A person can be killed instantly by touching a live electrical wire. Do not approach downed wires.

If you are in a vehicle that has come into contact with downed wires, remain in the vehicle and dial 911.

Residents who lose power are reminded of generator safety guidelines:

• Never, ever run a generator indoors or in a garage. Run it outside, away from air intakes, and aim the exhaust away from the house.
• Ensure that homes have a bypass system installed OR turn the main breaker OFF when using a generator, as electricity can travel back into the grid and endanger utility workers.

SEVERAL MAIN ROADS BLOCKED — MULTIPLE CRASHES ON I-91

Clintonville Road, Broadway, and Hartford Turnpike are all affected by downed trees and debris.

Blocked roadways and crashes on I-91 have hampered the ability of the Fire Department to call in off-duty resources, but Chief Januszewski has staffed an additional engine company, and all volunteer firefighters are on standby at this time.

Residents should expect some roads to be closed until mid-day Wednesday.

Chief Januszewski urges patience, as the suddenness and ferocity of this storm has stretched resources statewide.

“Your emergency crews are working diligently to ensure everyone’s safety. Right now, the best thing for everyone to do is stay home, stay indoors, and stay patient as we work to clear dangers and obstacles,” Chief Januszewski said. “We can take some solace in the fact that thus far, residents have listened, and there have been no life-threatening injuries.”

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