Glastonbury Residents Could Be Without Power For Days Due To Damage From Tropical Storm Isaias

From the Town of Glastonbury:

August 5, 2020

The Town is making a concerted effort to address local damage, fallen trees, road blockages, and other issues resulting from last night’s tropical storm Isaias. The updates below summarize program cancellations, contact information, and answers to commonly asked questions and this information will be updated on a continual basis as new developments arise and progress is made.

Status of Power Restoration

Unfortunately the Town does NOT have a projected time for power to be restored to the Glastonbury community. Eversource has reported that as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, there are approximately 617,000 customers without service and “given the significant amount of damage, [Eversource] is asking customers to prepare for multiple days without power.” Residents with internet access may visit the Eversource website and subscribe to receive text or email updates as power is restored to their area. Please note, Eversource had an issue with their reporting system the night of the storm (8/4), which prevented customers from being able to report outages by phone or on the Eversource website. This issue has since been resolved and Eversource is encouraging folks to contact them directly to report any current outages and downed wires that are still in effect. The Town will share any power restoration updates here and on the Town Facebook page upon receipt and as available.

Free Brush and Tree Disposal for Residents

The Refuse Disposal Division has extended the hours at the Bulky Waste Facility (1145 Tryon Street), and will be open from 7AM to 7PM today through Saturday, 8/8. Residents may bring brush/trees resulting from the storm only for disposal at the Bulky Waste Facility (BWF) at NO CHARGE during these extended, post-storm hours with permits waived and only proof of residency required. Please note, the BWF does NOT have power therefore cash or check only accepted for other items (no credit cards accepted until power restored). Please also remember your face mask for the health and safety of all.

The Transfer Station is open as well during its standard operating hours however it is also without power. Residents should bring all brush/trees to the Bulky Waste Facility only and bring cash/check for any items disposing of for a fee at the Transfer Station (no credit cards accepted until power restored).

At this time, there are no current plans for a curb-side brush pick up but the BWF hours have been extended to provide residents an expanded opportunity to clear their properties after the storm.

Downed Wires

If you see a downed wire, call Eversource at (800) 286-2000 or Glastonbury Police Dispatch at (860) 633-8301 to report it immediately. Always assume wires are live and stay as far away as possible until the area is cleared.

Fallen Trees – WITHOUT WIRES

Highway Department staff have been working diligently since last night to clear the blocked roadways and address the majority of issues creating blockages on town roadways. To report a fallen tree on a town road or sidewalk, please visit www.glastonbury-ct.gov/citizen... and submit the request, which will automatically be routed to a Town staff member who can address it. You may also submit requests to clear debris, broken lights at town parks, and other requests for service through this portal. If you do not have internet access, you can report fallen trees and other requests by contacting the Glastonbury Customer Service Center at (860) 652-7710. Phones will be answered during normal business hours (Mon-Fri between 8:00 am and 4:30pm) and voicemails will be checked regularly for messages left outside of these hours. Please include the street address, intersection, and as much detail as possible. Please note: any fallen trees that present an immediate hazard, (e.g. blocking roadways or intermingled with downed wires) should be reported to Police Dispatch at (860) 633-8301.

The following town facilities are currently CLOSED due to the storm:

• Town Hall (closed to the public anyway due to pandemic)
• Minnechaug Golf Course – closed today, expect to be open again on Thursday, 8/6.
• Parks/open spaces, including Riverfront Park, athletic fields and courts, etc.
• Pools
• Riverfront Community Center
• WTML

*The Transfer Station and BWF are open but currently without power therefore credit card payments are NOT being accepted at either facility until further notice. Please plan accordingly and bring check/cash for any items you are disposing of for a fee. (Only brush/trees resulting from the storm may be disposed of for free at the BWF.)

The following programs have been CANCELLED for today, 8/5:

• Camp Sunrise
• Dial-A-Ride (Still suspended – no change from pandemic suspension)
• Food bank – anyone who had already registered for today’s Food Bank pick-up, your scheduled pickup will be postponed to this Friday, 8/7 from 10-11:00 a.m. Information for new food bank participants can be found at www.glastonbury-ct.gov/foodbank.
• Gymnastics (P&R program)
• Parks & Rec programs
• Senior Services programs
• Youth & Family Service programs

Additional information, tips, and resources:

• Before you use a generator, make sure it is connected by a qualified electrician. Always operate it outdoors and as far from the house as possible. Keep it away from doors, windows and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Eversource Customers are encouraged to sign up to receive storm outage updates on the channel of their choice (text, email, phone call) at www.eversource.com.
• The Town is NOT currently offering charging stations, potable water, or other storm resources as there are several COVID-19 regulations and special circumstances to be considered before such efforts can be coordinated. Any updates in this regard will be posted as soon as they become available.

This web page will be updated regularly and available at www.glastonbury-ct.gov/storm for quick access to review any changes.

If you have any additional questions beyond what is addressed above, please contact the Glastonbury Customer Service Center at (860) 652-7710. Please stay safe, drive very slowly and cautiously, and be patient as the Town and Eversource work to address the aftermath of this significant storm event.

This press release was produced by the Town of Glastonbury. The views expressed are the author's own.