Woonsocket EMA Releases Post-Irene Update

With much of the city finishing clean-up from the damages left by Tropical Storm Irene, Gary Lataille, the chief of the Woonsocket Fire Department and director of the city's emergency management services has released new information regarding Woonsocket's recovery status.

According to , of the city's 18,238 accounts with National Grid and 632 accounts were without electricity on Wednesday; that number reduced to 334 accounts on Thursday; and currently there are 197 accounts that remain adversely affected, without electric service.  Of these accounts, 118 are on one feeder line that, once repaired, should restore power. The remaining 79 accounts are individual outages and will be the last to be restored. 

Any National Grid customer can call 1.800.322.3223 to report a power outage or ask for an estimated time for return to service. Woonsocket EMA asks that residents remember that all down wires are considered “live” wires, and they should never approach or touch them. 

Lataille said that as the city continues to recover from the storm, all streets are cleared and open, and all traffic signals are operational.  The city's Department of Public Works is continuing to remove “green waste” from the roadways and walkways.  Property owners that have damaged trees should contact their insurance companies as this type of damage should be covered.  Contractors removing “green waste” from private property are responsible to completely remove the waste. They should not pile the waste for curbside pick up. 

Requests for assistance should be directed to Emergency Management, 1.401.769.7841.