CL&P Asks Residents to Stay Clear of Working Power Crews

On day six following the devastating October nor’easter, Bethany is still in the process of recovery. As of noon on Friday, 34 percent of the town is still without power, and according to First Selectman Derrylyn Gorski, there are at least 30 linemen in town making repairs. There is, Gorski said, something residents can do to make the job go easier and faster.

“CL&P has requested that we ask people to not approach the crews,” Gorski said. “Allow them to do their work. They can’t take special requests or hurry things along.”

Gorski said the work has to be done in a certain sequence, and while some damage is visible, the crews can’t tell how much damage there is until they get out in the field and see it first-hand.

“A tree down on a line is obvious,” she said, “but sometimes they find damage when they get to the top of a pole. Some things can’t be seen right away.”

Gorski also said she wanted to thank people for their patience as, "it’s been a trying time for all of us.”

Fire Marshal Rod White also wanted to remind those who are still without power to continue to be careful with temporary sources of heat. Generators need to be outside and installed by a professional according to manufacturer's directions.

Propane gas stoves for cooking should only be used outside as any open flame produces carbon monoxide. Gas grills and charcoal grills should also be kept outside. People should also check their electric stoves to make sure all burners are in the “off” position before power is restored.

White suggested that residents who have hard-wired CO detectors should check the backup batteries as they are probably running low after six days of no power. The change to Daylight Savings Time is always the cue to change batteries in CO and smoke detectors, and this year, he said, it was especially important.

“There have been eight or nine CO deaths in the state since the storm,” White said.