Community Corner
Bethel Outages Down to 6 Percent, Shelter to Close at Noon Sunday
The latest from the early season snow storm.
Editor's Note: This article will be updated as outages, closures and road closures are known.
Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
Power outages remaining total about 350 homes, or 4% of CL&P's customer base in Bethel. The First Selectman says CL&P crews are currently working on circuits along Taylor Road and adjacent side streets and Castle Hill Drive.
There are a large number of individual homes still dark as a result of broken service lines to the house, even though power has been restored to the neighborhood, and these are being addressed by a team of electrical contractors supplied by CL&P. If your neighbors have power and you still do not, please be sure to notify CL&P at 1-800-286-2000 if you have not already done so.
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Knickerbocker also said The American Red Cross has shut down the overnight emergency shelter at the municipal center, as power was restored last evening to all of the remaining "guests" who had been staying at the facility. However, the municipal center remains open today for showers until 4:00pm this afternoon.
"Again, I want to thank everyone in our community for the tremendous outreach in helping their neighbors through the past week," he said. "I again want to express my gratitude to our highway department, police department, emergency management department, our volunteer fire fighters and our staff members who have stayed here in town hall around the clock to help the CERT and Red Cross volunteers keep our facility running smoothly."
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More information will follow later this week concerning brush and leaf pickup schedules. There is still far too much cleanup work remaining to be able to set a schedule just yet.
Sunday
As of Sunday morning, outages in Bethel are down to 6 percent. According to fire marshal and Office of Emergency Management Director Tom Galliford the shelter at the municipal center will close at noon Sunday, but will remain open until 4 p.m. for showers and charging.
Saturday
One week after the snow storm hit, Bethel is at 18 percent without power. CL&P still estimates that 99 percent of Bethel will have power back by midnight Sunday.
Friday 2 p.m.
First Selectman's update:
- CL&P now has 15 line repair crews and 10 tree removal crews working in Bethel.
- "The City of Bridgeport has loaned two tree crews from their DPW department to assist in cleanup operations. This originated with Bethel's request early in the week for National Guard troops to assist with cleanup. The state's emergency management center did not have enough Guard troops at their disposal, as they had been deployed into areas with greater damage, but invoked the mutual assistance program to send crews from other cities. Bridgeport DPW will be with Bethel into early next week as work continues."
- "In addition to above, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has made equipment and personnel available to assist Bethel."
- "Our emergency shelter at the municipal center remains open. We ask our residents to please check on any friends and neighbors who are elderly or ill and should not be exposed to prolonged cold temperatures. We are aware that many are reluctant to leave their homes. Please encourage them to come to the shelter, as the temperature is expected to dip into the mid 20's again tonight."
Friday, 1 p.m.
CL&P has changed their estimation projection for Bethel from Friday at midnight to Sunday at midnight. As of 1 p.m. Friday, outages went up slightly from this morning from 28 to 29 percent.
Friday Morning
Outages are down to 28 percent Friday morning. CL&P must fix a majority of this to reach their goal of bringing power back to 99 percent of Bethel by midnight tonight.
Thursday Evening:
Outages increases slightly in Bethel THursday from 41 to 45 percent. CL&P still estimates that 99 percent of the town will have power restored by midnight Friday.
CL&P also has updated their map, which now shows outages in 10 percent increments instead of 20 percent.
Thursday, 12:30 p.m.
Here's an update from the First Selectman:
- "Several new CL&P crews arrived in town this morning to continue clearing and restoration work. Remaining power outages now affect about 40 percent of the town."
- "VERY IMPORTANT: If you are still without power and have not already done so, PLEASE BE SURE TO REPORT YOUR OUTAGE TO CL&P AT 1-800-286-2000, or go online to www.cl-p.com and use the online reporting link. The utility company uses data reported by their customers to assign priorities when dispatching repair crews. We have spoken with many people who assume that the power company has a computerized system to tell them where lines are down and power is out, but this is not the case. All reporting and dispatching is done manually. If you have already called in your outage, you do not need to do so again. But if your street is still dark and your neighbors have not called in, please pass the word to them that they should do so today, even if you already have. It can make a difference."
- "SAFETY: CL&P has reported serious electrocution injuries in other communities around the state caused by live wires on the ground and by backfeeds from improperly installed home generators. Please be sure generators have the proper safety cut off switch installed before use."
- "More announcements to follow about brush and garbage later today."
Thursday Morning
Outages in Bethel dropped by more than 10 percent from last night down to 41 percent.
A reminder that schools will reopen today and Friday on a 2-hour delay schedule.
Wednesday Evening
Bethel homes still without power still about 50 percent. CL&P estimates that 99 percent of Bethel will have power by Friday, Nov. 4 at midnight and 100 percent by Sunday, Nov. 6 at midnight
The First Selectman says "Bethel highway crews are continuing to clear trees from roadways and are now being assisted by DPW personnel from the city of Bridgeport. The warming station and overnight shelter at the Bethel municipal center will remain open for overnight sleeping again tonight."
Wednesday Morning
CL&P now estimates 99 percent recovery to Bethel by midnight on Friday, November 4. The number of Bethel homes still without power now down to 4,370 or 53 percent.
According to the First Selectman, "road blockages remain this morning on Linda Lane and Castle Hill. Tree removal contractors will begin working on those today. All other roads are passable, although some partial lane closures still exist."
Tuesday, 11:30 p.m.
CL&P's ouatge map is showing Bethel is down to 53 percent without power, down from 84 percent from Monday night. The power company said it will have an complete restoration estimate for Bethel Wednesday morning.
Tuesday 1 p.m.
First Selectman's update:
- "CL&P and Bethel highway crews are still working to reopen all remaining roads with downed trees. Please be advised that crews will cut the trees, clear them from the road to the side and leave them there, for now, and quickly move on to the next blocked road. It will possibly be several weeks before all trees can be removed from the sides of the roads.
- We do not yet have a projected date from CL&P for full restoration in Bethel, but they are still projecting more than a week from the date of the storm to reach 100 percent.
- Our municipal center remains open for showers, warming, cell phone charging and overnight stays.
- If you would like to volunteer to help at the shelter, please call town hall at 203-794-8501. Many of our staff members and volunteers have been here nearly 24 hours per day and could use more help."
Tuesday, Noon
Bethel Schools will be closed Wednesday. Outages in town are down to 69 percent.
Tuesday, 9 a.m.
First Selectman Update:
- Homes without power at 71 percent of all Bethel CL&P customers as of 5 a.m. today.
- Power back on at P.T. Barnum Square, Maple Avenue, Greenwood Avenue downtown and east to Blackman Avenue, Reynolds Ridge and Johnson, Rockwell and Bethel Middle Schools. Berry School and Bethel High School not yet on; schools remain closed today.
- Bethel highway and CL&P crews will be concentrating on clearing wires and reopening remaining roads with full and partial closures, particularly in the Stony Hill area.
Monday, 5 p.m.
From the First Selectman:
"CL&P crews arrived in Bethel on Sunday and have worked with Bethel highway department personnel yesterday and today clearing wires and trees from roadways. Most of the major through roads are now open, and the work teams will continue until all of the secondary roads are also clear of trees, debris and low hanging wires. "
"As previously announced, please call downed and low hanging wire notifications directly to CL&P at 1-800-286-2000. It is very important that the power company hears from you directly to insure your outage information logged into their customer service system, as this is the information they use to deploy repair crews. You can also find more information at the CL&P website at http://www.cl-p.com/Home."
"CL&P has advised us that restoration work is now under way. At noon today, the company’s online power outage map showed the number of Bethel homes without power down to 76 percent from its post-storm high of 92 percent. It is not unusual, however, to see fluctuations during the day as repair crews take circuit’s offline temporarily to replace equipment. CL&P is still advising us to expect at least a week or longer for full restoration, due to the unprecedented damage to primary transmission lines, substations and transformers."
"Bethel Public Schools will remain closed on Tuesday, November 1. Further school announcements will follow from the Superintendant’s office tomorrow."
Monday, 4 p.m.
The first selectman is advising against Trick or Treating tonight, but the municipal center will hold a special Halloween event on Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Outages have dropeed slightly from this afternoon to 84 percent.
Monday, 1 p.m.
Outages jumped back up to 87 percent in Bethel. Ther have been reports of trees and powerlines being moved. More CL&P trucks should arrive in the area tonight and tomorrow.
Monday, 10:45 a.m.
Parents have received a call that Bethel schools will be closed Tuesday, the second day in a row post-snow storm.
Also outages have apparently dropped into the 70 percent range, ranginging from 75-78 percent of outages or just under 6,500 of the 8,301 CL&P Bethel customers.
Though the town has yet to make an announcement about Trick or Treating, The Bethel Chamber of Commerce just organized a "Trunk or Treat Night" at the Big Y tonight at 5 p.m. "Dress the kids, bring some candy and we can trick or treat out of the trunks of our cars."
Monday Morning
Not much has changed between yesterday and today. Outages holding strong at 91/92 percent. CL&P and highway crews will still be working on clearing the roads and fallen power lines today. Again, municipal center is open for heat, showers, water and charging. Patch will keep you posted with any updates or changes.
Sunday, 6:25 p.m.
The latest from First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker.
"Significant progress has been made in reopening roads. CL&P personnel are in town and working alongside town highway crews to clear remaining trees and wires. Clearing and making wires safe for work crews will continue throughout the day tomorrow. Restoration work is not expected to begin until Tuesday."
"The Municipal Center is open until further notice. Cots are provided for overnight stays. Please bring your own blankets, pillows and toiletries (we do have US Army surplus blankets, but we think you might be more comfortable with your own)."
"The Teen Center and Senior Centers are both open."
Knickerbocker also said he is currently consulting with the Bethel Police as to whether or not it will be safe to Trick or Treat Monday night.
Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Bethel's First Selectman says Bethel’s emergency shelter at the Clifford J. Hurgin MunicipalCenter is now open and will remain open until further notice. Hot showers and electrical outlets are available. Residents without power and heat are welcome to spend the night at the shelter. Cots and blankets will be provided.
For most of the day Sunday, Bethel outages will
Sunday, 11 a.m.
From the First Selectman:
"At this time, more than 90 percent of the town is without power, and virtually all roads have at least partial or full blockages with downed trees and power lines. The damage to power infrastructure is far worse than Tropical Storm Irene. Statewide, close to 800,000 homes are without power, making this one of the worst storm in the state’s history. CL&P has warned area towns that full power restoration could take as long as one to two full weeks. Unlike Irene, this storm caused damage to regional high voltage transmission lines, creating more widespread outages. More information can be found at the CL&P website at http://www.cl-p.com/Home."
"All phone lines to the Bethel Police Department are currently down, including the 9-1-1 lines. 9-1-1 calls are currently being routed through the Danbury emergency dispatch center, transferring information to Bethel Police Department via radio."
"Please use 9-1-1 for life threatening or medical emergencies ONLY. Please report downed power lines to CL&P directly at 1-800-286-2000."
"The Bethel Municipal Center is running on its emergency generator and will open to the public today at noon to provide hot showers, a warm place to stay and recharge laptop computers and cell phones. Further updates about emergency sheltering operations will be provided later in the day."
"Again, residents are urged to stay away from all downed lines, even if they appear to be dead. Please do not attempt to cut trees that are tangled with power lines, as they can become reenergized without warning for a variety of reasons."
Sunday, 10:15 p.m.
Several parents have reportedly received calls that Bethel Public Schools will be closed Monday.
Sunday Morning Update
The morning after the storm, 91 percent of Bethel is without power. CL&P says it may take several days for power to be fuly restored.
Update, 11 p.m.
The Connecticut Light and Power map is now showing that Bethel is 78 percent without power.
Update, 10 p.m.
The municipal center will not open at 9 a.m. as previously reported. The First Selectman sent out another update:
"The reason for the cancellation is that travel is expected to remain very dangerous during the morning hours due to the number of trees and power lines down. We are still planning to open the municipal center some time tomorrow. The emergency management team will conduct a conference call early in the morning to assess conditions and decide when it is safe for residents to travel to the municipal center.
Again, we strongly advise all Bethel residents not to attempt travel this evening. Due to downed trees and power lines, all Bethel highway trucks are being pulled off the road until daylight tomorrow to insure our driver’s safety. No further road plowing or sanding will take place until that time.
At this time, one of our drivers is trapped in his truck, surrounded by downed wires. He is safe while we await assistance from CL&P emergency crews currently en route."
Update, 9:30 p.m.
From First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker: "Roads remain icy and treacherous, and residents are urged to stay indoors for the rest of the evening. The greatest danger is from falling trees and wire, and numerous new road blockages and power outages are still being reported. The damage to power lines in Bethel has now surpassed Tropical Storm Irene, with over 5,800 homes, or 72 percent of the town’s CL&P customers without power. The Bethel Municipal Center will be open to residents tomorrow, Sunday, October 30 beginning at 9 a.m."
Original Post
As of 8:55 p.m. Saturday, 60 percent of Bethel is without power or 5,019 customers. The storm has caused more outages than Irene, when the town peaked at 57 percent without power.
First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker said earlier Saturday: "Highway department personnel have been plowing and sanding roadways for several hours, yet road conditions currently range from very poor to dangerous. Residents are strongly advised to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Several roads are partially or completely blocked by downed tree limbs, as well as by cars unable to negotiate the hills. Numerous power failures are being reported."
The Office of Emergency Management also said: "Roads in Bethel are snow covered and slippery. Avoid travel if possible. Let crews clear roads. Fire Departments and police departments responding to multiple accidents and tree/powerline issues."
Reported troubled areas include:
- All of Greenwood Avenue, especially the Chestnut intersection.
- A tree is down on Plumtrees/Maple intersection.
- Linda Lane near Route 302 is closed Saturday afternoon
- Pleasant Street is closed Saturday afternoon
- Wolfpits is closed Saturday afternoon
- Report of trees and power lines down on Benedict Road
- Fox Den Road is reported to be 'Impassable', trees down on the road
Several businesses are closed for the rest of the day and events have been postponed:
- Bethel Cinema, Bethel Music Center, Sportplex of Bethel are closed.
- A New Beginning is closing up shop at 4 p.m. today.
- Walnut Hill Community Church's concert tonight is canceled as is their 8 a.m. service.
- Stony Hill Four Corners' Halloween Pancake breakfast is postponed to next Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Bethel's Historical Society Ghost Walk on Sunday will be reschuedled.
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