Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with an important Emergency Update

Unfortunately, an estimated 75% of Madison still remains without power and the Town has over 60 roads that are blocked by trees and powerlines. I know people are frustrated that crews have not come into their neighborhoods to remove trees and unblock roads.  However, public safety must assume that any downed wire could be live and should be avoided until Eversource has deemed it safe.  This can be a slow process given the extensive damage throughout Madison, but rest assured Town employees are working hard to remove debris when possible. Please do not remove any road signs, cones or caution tape.  They are there for a reason.

It is with great dismay that I have no update to report from Eversource on a power restoration timeline.  Eversource remains focused on damage assessment and clearing the roads so that residents and emergency vehicles can pass.  Given the extensive damage to the system, they expect this to be a multi-day restoration process, similar to Hurricane Sandy.

Since we are likely to experience lengthy outages, the Town Campus Emergency Shelter will be open from 8:30 to 4:30 tomorrow through at least this Sunday.  Residents can use the facilities for charging cell phones, accessing potable water and accessing its limited shower facility. Starting tomorrow, the Town will be opening shower facilities at Daniel Hand High School, which includes improved and more extensive shower facilities. Residents can use the men’s and women’s locker rooms which are located by the Tiger Door back entrance of the school from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.  Please bring your own toiletry items and use available cleaning supplies after showering.  Starting tomorrow, hoses for potable water will be located in back at Daniel Hand High School by the loading dock, and at Brown Intermediate School, in addition to Town Campus.  Please remember to wear masks at all town facilities.

I also want to emphasize again to operate your generator outside of your home and as far away from windows, doors, and vents.   And if you plan on charging your cell phone in your car, makes sure there is proper ventilation for the car’s exhaust. Do not close your garage door. We have reports of residents not following these guidelines. 

I know this continues to be a challenging time for our Senior Citizens.  If you are a Senior without power and need assistance for an urgent situation, please call 911.  Otherwise, please contact the Madison Senior Center at (203) 245-5627.  Leave a message and someone will return your call to assist you. For those residents who have neighbors who are seniors, please take a moment to check on them in this difficult time.  Community support for our most vulnerable will be critical over the next few days while we remain without power and water.

I will update residents again as soon as I have more concrete information from Eversource on restoration. 

Stay safe Madison. Thank you.