Our Town was hit hard yesterday by Tropical Storm Isaias. Currently, an estimated 80% of Madison is out of power, including downtown. This is not an uncommon problem throughout our state due to the severity of the storm. Overnight, Eversource was addressing only life threatening calls. Today they will be focusing on critical facilities in town, damage assessment, and blocked roads that have no way in or out. Due to the magnitude of the damage, we do not have an estimated timeline for general restoration, but people should expect outages lasting multiple days.
The town will be opening the Town Campus Emergency Shelter at the Town Gym starting at 10 am. Residents can use the facility to charge cell phones and take showers. Please bring your own chargers and toiletries, and use the supplied cleaning items after showering due to the pandemic. A maximum of 40 people can be inside the gym at one time and masks must be worn.
Potable water is available at town hall, near the entrance facing the gym. Please bring your own containers. A water truck is being arranged to be located at the North Madison firehouse.
If you see electrical lines or equipment on the ground or if you see fire, smoke or arcing from electrical equipment, call 911. If you are simply reporting a tree down with no power lines involved, please call the routine number of Public Works (203) 245-5611 or the Police Department at (203) 245-6500. If you need to report that your power is out or have questions about restoration, contact Eversource directly at (800) 662-7764. Yesterday, they had problems with their reporting system but it should be operating now.
If you plan on operating a generator, please remember to operate the generator outside of your home and as far away from windows, doors, and vents. Do not operate it in partially enclosed spaces, even if using fans or opening doors for ventilation. We have had a number of emergency calls from residents experiencing generator carbon monoxide issues. If you are in need of fuel, the I-95 service station and the Mobile station on the east side of town are currently open.
I will update the community as soon as more information is available. Please understand that public safety and public works teams are working as hard as possible to clear the roads. Please let them do their jobs.
Stay safe Madison. Thank you.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman
Madison, Connecticut