And The Restoration Continues

As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, 39 percent of the town was still without power, or 3,700 homes, according to Connecticut Light & Power. And for some, the frustration is beginning to build, First Selectman Dan Steward willingly admits.

But considering the issues CL&P is going through, it is understandable, he said.

“Realizing how many (homes) are out of service, that’s pretty significant,” he said. “I’m not sure anybody could be prepared for this.”

Steward said Quaker Hill, which was largely without power as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, was his biggest concern. Next was the Goshen area, where many people were in the dark as well, he said.

Lights were out in several areas in town, including Route 32, Steward said. The longer they are out, the chance of a serious accident increases, he said.

Meanwhile, town workers have been working very long hours, although everybody remains committed, he said. The town is doing everything it can to assist CL&P in getting the power back up, he said.

“People are getting tired, yes,” he said. “But everybody just wants to do what needs to be done.”

Power did come back to one central circuit on Rope Ferry Road, bringing electricity back to the Friendship School, Waterford High School, Waterford Community Center and Waterford Public Library. That allows some of those facilities, namely the community center, to help the public, Steward said.

Grinder Pump Issues

The 240 grinder pumps the town maintains are being actively maintained by the utility commission and are in good shape, Steward said. However, other people have private grinder pumps that are not being actively maintained, and some people have had sewage back up into their homes, he said.

The town is not allowed to pump privately owned grinder pumps, Steward said. If somebody has a privately owned grinder pump, they need to call a contractor to pump it, he said.

Food/Ice/Water

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the next two days at least, town workers will be handing out food, water and ready-to-eat meals at the public works building at 1000 Hartford Road.

and a shipment wasn’t received until 6:30 p.m., Police Lt. Brett Mahoney said. Food and ice were available throughout the day, he said.

Shelters

The community center is open until 8 p.m. It will have regular programs and meals today and showers are available, Senior Services Assistant Director Ellen Fougere said.

People can also charge their oxygen tanks at Waterford Youth Services, Fougere said. The youth service bureau will be open until 9 p.m. tonight, Steward said. Three people charged up at the building Wednesday, according to staff.

Police

Despite traffic lights out in several areas, no major accidents have been reported, Steward said. There have been few arrests since Irene came, according to police logs.

“I think that is a tribute to Waterford,” Mahoney said.

School

Today at the Friendship School, students will meet their teachers in 15-minute intervals. Friday is the first day of school at the Friendship School.

All Waterford public schools will start Tuesday. Staff will meet Friday.