Power Restored To Nearly All Of Hamden’s Residents

HAMDEN, CT — Power has been restored to nearly all of Hamden’s residents following last week’s tornado. As of 3 p.m. on May 22, approximately 25 (or .09 percent) of residents remain without power, according to officials. Read the latest update on the town’s tornado recovery efforts from Mayor Curt Balzano Leng and Hamden’s Emergency Officials below:

Recovery efforts are proceeding at a steady rate thanks to the stellar work of United Illuminating, Hamden Public Works, and other local contractors. The Town has been in constant communication with United Illuminating and emergency personnel to manage recovery efforts.

The Public Works Department is actively collecting storm debris, trees, brush, and limbs from residences affected by the storm. Please be sure to have all debris out by the street in front of your affected residency. The Public Works Department will begin by initially collecting smaller debris, and transitioning to larger tree trunks and debris pile. There will be multiple passes to each of the streets as everyone works to cleanup from this severe storm. Residents can also bring their brush and tree limbs / natural debris to the Public Works Department at 1125 Shepard Avenue, Hamden, 06518 for disposal during the hours of 8am-3pm, weekdays or to the Hamden Transfer Station at no cost. IMPORTANT NOTE: Spring “Leaf and Brush Pickup” has been delayed until further notice due to storm recovery efforts.

**Please be advised that private tree removal contractors should bring debris (at no cost) to the Quinnipiac University lot at Evergreen Avenue and Whitney Avenue. Contractors are expected to pass on these savings to Hamden residents. **

Currently, the Hamden Public Works Department is operating 5 pay loaders, 1 backhoe, 16 trucks for debris hauling, and 4 transport trucks. This includes a crew of 5 heavy equipment operators, 8 tree cutters, and 16 drivers. Additionally, the Town has engaged the help of numerous independent contractors to assist with debris removal. These contractors are currently operating 2 grapple trucks, a 30ft logger truck, 5 roll-off dump trucks, an excavator, boom chippers, and other smaller grapple trucks and equipment. This includes over a dozen outside laborers and operators.

Commenting, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng said, “I remain extremely appreciative of the efforts of the Hamden Public Works Staff, United Illuminating Employees, as well as the new team of independent heavy equipment contractors who we have brought in to assist with cleanup efforts. Power has been restored to almost all of Hamden’s residents, and the effort to remove debris from affected neighborhoods is well underway. This will be a long process, but our resident can rest assured that their Town will be working for them every step of the way.”

The Hamden Police Department remains active in providing Police escorts, and continues to work with United Illuminating and Hamden Public Works Tree crews to ensure that workers remain safe and debris can be properly removed. Increased deterrent and protection police patrols are active throughout the tornado affected areas.

Residents needing non-emergency assistance should call Hamden Central Dispatch at 203-230-4000 for help. Supplies such as drinking water, bathing water, diapers, batteries and food products will be made available to residents as needed. Additionally, all Fire Stations will serve as 24-hour device charging stations, as well as all town buildings during normal business hours. (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

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