August 6, 2020

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

We have seen some progress today with a limited number of Eversource crews starting to arrive in Madison. Power was recently restored to downtown, but over 62% of our residents still remain in the dark.  We can expect a multi-day restoration process that will carry on through the weekend. We also still have over 30 roads blocked and inaccessible for emergency vehicles. Our emergency response teams, including police, fire, and public works, have been working around the clock doing what they can to provide public access; however, there are still many downed wires that need to be made safe by Eversource. All of us are angry and frustrated by the slow response efforts being made by our utility provider, but we are doing what we can with local resources. Please do not approach any downed wires or remove caution tape, road signs or barricades.  They are there for your safety.

While outages continue, the Town Campus Emergency Shelter will stay open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow through at least this Sunday.  Residents can use the facilities for accessing WiFi, charging cell phones, and showering. In addition, for our Senior Citizens aged 65 or older, the Madison Senior Center will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for device charging, WiFi access and as a cooling center. Shower facilities are also available at the Daniel Hand High School locker rooms, which are located by the Tiger Door back entrance.  More details are available on the Town of Madison Facebook page.  Hoses for potable water are located in back of Daniel Hand by the loading dock, at Brown Intermediate School, and at Town Campus.  Please remember to bring your own container.  Social distancing rules will be in effect at all town facilities and building access may be limited due to COVID-related capacity restrictions. You must have a mask to enter into any building.

I also want to remind residents that despite the power situation, the town will still be holding a presidential primary election next Tuesday, August 11th.  If you wish to vote in person on August 11th, the District 1 polling location has changed from the Senior Center to Polson Middle School gymnasium. District 2 voting will remain at Brown Intermediate School.  Voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  For those voting by absentee ballot who want to ensure it is received in time for the election, please drop the completed, sealed ballot into the secure drop box located at Town Campus outside the main entrance to Town Hall, no later than 8 p.m. on August 11, 2020.

Once again, I am asking residents for your patience as we work through another emergency situation.

Stay safe Madison. Thank you.