REMINDER - No curb collection for storm debris / information on leaf pickup

WALLINGFORD — The Town of Wallingford will not have a curbside storm debris pickup; residents may bring the tree debris to the compost area. All debris must comply with compost area requirements. Given the storm restoration efforts and the approaching leaf pickup the town does not have the resources to pick up tree debris.

The leaf pickup information is as follows: Residents of Wallingford will have their bagged leaves picked up by the Public Works Department starting Monday, Nov. 19. All leaves to be picked up must be placed at the curb in paper bags, sealed with masking tape only, if needed. Bagged leaves need to be at the curb no later than Sunday, Nov. 18. This is a onetime pickup of leaves only, brush, trash or garden waste will not be accepted.
Residents who miss the pickup can take leaves to the compost area (John Street) at no charge. Do not rake leaves into the gutters per ordinance No. 380.

Compost hours until Nov. 30 are as follows:

Monday to Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Compost hours Dec. 1 to Jan. 15

Monday, Thursday, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Compost area will be closed Jan. 16 to March 15.

MALLOY RELEASES FACT SHEET ON HOW TO APPLY FOR STORM SANDY DISASTER ASSISTANCE

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released a useful fact sheet for Connecticut residents seeking information on how to apply for federal disaster assistance resulting from Storm Sandy.  The fact sheet provides step-by-step details on how the FEMA application process works and can be downloaded at www.ct.gov/sandy.

“Right now, one of our top priorities following Storm Sandy is to help individuals and business owners get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible,” Governor Malloy said.  “This fact sheet is a one stop resource for residents – one that will be regularly updated with the latest information.”

The fact sheet will continue to be updated in the coming days as developments are made and additional assistance may become available.

When registering for the assistance, the Governor and FEMA are encouraging residents to utilize the online registration method at www.DisasterAssistance.gov in order to expedite the registration process and avoid potential telephone hold times.

**Download: Fact Sheet on Applying for Storm Sandy Disaster Assistance in Connecticut

HURRICANE SANDY Cleanup–Announcement from the Town of Wallingford

The Town of Wallingford will NOT have a curbside storm debris pickup; residents may bring the tree debris to the Compost area.

 

All debris must comply with the Compost area requirements.

 

Given the storm restoration efforts and the approaching leaf pickup, the Town does not have the resources to pick up tree debris.

As posted via http://www.town.wallingford.ct.us/News/newsView.asp?newsID=40968210

HURRICANE SANDY - FEMA Individual Assistance

Registration for FEMA Individual Assistance Programs

can now be done by telephone at

1-800-621-3362

 

For people with speech or hearing disabilities, at

TTY 800-462-7585

 

Registration can also be done on-line at

www.disasterassistance.gov

 

Locations and dates for Disaster Recovery Centers will be announced in the future.

Here's How to Report Price Gouging

Connecticut's price-gouging laws have taken effect because the governor declared a state of emergency.

The following restrictions apply:

• No one shall increase the price of any retail item in a location which is subject to a disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor. This section shall not prohibit the usual fluctuation in price that occurs during the normal course of business. (Section 42-230)
• If consumers believe a business is charging an unreasonable price, or has raised its price to take advantage of the emergency, they can contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 1-800-842-2649.

Special thanks to State Senator Len Suzio for proactively sending this out.

Keeping posted, post-Sandy, in Wallingford

I am going to do a recap of what I have for news from all the sources as I have them.

Some of this data is from prior posts of mine and a bulk load of the information is from the Record Journal which has adapted quite well in driving real-time, local information for Wallingford.

So here we go:

https://twitter.com/SalMenzo
Dr. Sal Menzo‏@SalMenzo

All Wallingford Public Schools are open 10/31 except for Sheehan High School. Sheehan High School will be closed 10/31 and 11/1. #wpschools

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Portion of roof blown off Sheehan High School in storm

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

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HURRICANE SANDY - Electric Division - System Restoration
http://jasonzandri.blogspot.com/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-electric-division.html

http://www.town.wallingford.ct.us/News/newsView.asp?newsID=40968208

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Wallingford Electric Division working on power outages; 3,200 customers or 13 percent

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/wallingford/article_d129ebd6-2296-11e2-9496-0019bb2963f4.html 

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

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WALLINGFORD and CONNECTICUT; Outages by the numbers (as I have them at about 3:00PM 10/30/2012)

http://jasonzandri.blogspot.com/2012/10/wallingford-and-connecticut-outages-by.html 

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Keeping up to date:

I do the best I can keeping my blog up to date at Jason Zandri Wallingford Town Councilor but this is just me and a singular effort that happens as I get the information and as I have the time to post it.

I would recommend MyRecordJournal.com as they have the professional staff doing the digging.

From the social media side of things there are two Facebook groups I would recommend staying plugged into:

Concerned Parents Wallingford CT Board of Educ. Budget for the school related stuff (goes beyond the budget these days but that is how it was originally formed).

Wallingford CT Community Forum for town-wide general stuff.

WALLINGFORD and CONNECTICUT; Outages by the numbers (as I have them at about 3:00PM 10/30/2012)

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 451,107

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 36%

--------------------------------------------------------

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 142,761

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 44.59%

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Per the Record Journal article that I have cross posted at Wallingford Electric Division working on power outages; 3,200 customers or 13 percent

At the height of outages Monday night, 3,200 customers or 13 percent of the town was without power, but as of 6 a.m. today that number had lowered to 1,270 -- about 5 percent, according to Public Utilities Director George Adair.

Adair said he anticipates that by this afternoon the outage rate will be down to 400 customers and that by midnight Wednesday nearly all customers will be restored.

Damage to the roof at Sheehan High School

Trying to get more information – the Record Journal is all over it

Wallingford Electric Division working on power outages; 3,200 customers or 13 percent

As published online at MyRecordJournal.com

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

WALLINGFORD - At the height of outages Monday night, 3,200 customers or 13 percent of the town was without power, but as of 6 a.m. today that number had lowered to 1,270 -- about 5 percent, according to Public Utilities Director George Adair.

"We feel very fortunate," Adair said of the storm's damage relative to that of the state's shoreline. "We have adequate forces to address what's here."

Adair said he anticipates that by this afternoon the outage rate will be down to 400 customers and that by midnight Wednesday nearly all customers will be restored.

Beyond that, there may be some individual property owners with damaged equipment that cannot be reconnected in that time frame, and may take longer.

The peak outage rate was less than that of each of last year's major storms, with 5,000 outages reported during Hurricane Irene, and 4,000 in the October nor'easter.

On Monday night, Adair said outages were not confined to one area, but were spread throughout town.

"The wind was sporadic and varied tremendously by location. It was just here and there," Adair said.

Chimney Hill Road sustained some of the greatest damage, Adair said, with several large trees down. Line and tree crews will be working today on that section of town.

Monday night Town Hall and the Fire Department in the town center lost power, but were brought up that night.

Adair said his crews -- 6 of the town's regular line crews, three out-of-town line crews, and 6 tree crews from a contractor -- focused more on safety Monday night than restoration, dealing with downed wires. Staff also worked to isolate damages that took down large swaths of customers to bring others back on.

Two crews stayed on overnight, and three more pre-ordered out-of-town crews are expected to arrive Tuesday. The division will not be asking for any mutual aid crews, Adair said.

For customers who haven't yet reported an outage, they should call 203-294-2020 during business hours and 203-265-5055 after hours. Those who can access the internet can look at wallingfordelectric.com for more information on their service.

Outages by the numbers (as I have them at 11:15AM 10/30/2012)

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 476,380

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 38%

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 151,407

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 47.29%

---

The count that I have for Wallingford (second hand) was around 4,000 customers out of power at the height of the storm but because of the second hand nature there is no way to know the totals for sure until the Wallingford Electric Division reports out formally.

I have been reading online via Wallingford CT Community Forum that some folks have been coming online so we might be reducing the numbers.

As I can find out more I’ll follow up; I am not going to place calls myself to the Wallingford Electric Division and tie up a phone line with a question that doesn’t need a detailed answer right now

Outages by the numbers (as I have them at 12:15AM 10/30/2012)

This will be my last update before I head off to bed; the wind is still blowing and these number are very likely to go up some more.

---

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 494,013

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 39%

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 143,251

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 44.74%

---

The counts I have for Wallingford (second hand) were between 2,500 and 3,500 customers out of power but because of the second hand nature there is no way to know the totals for sure until the Wallingford Electric Division reports out formally.

Their main job right now is to keep their crews safe and working as they are able, in an effort to restore the power and that’s what I am sure they’ll be doing overnight and into the morning.

Outages by the numbers (as I have them at 9:45PM 10/29/2012)

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 475,839

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 38%

---

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 119,310

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 37.27%

 

Not sure what the Wallingford numbers look like as they do not have an online report system but in order for them to be at the same percentage (about 37%) there would need to be about 9,000 customers out of the 24,000 serviced down. I doubt it was that many but we'll see

Wallingford Electric is living up to its reputation of being the best utility provider on Planet Earth

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246
Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 185,730
% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 14%
----
Total UI Customers Served: 320,150
Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 10,218
% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 3.19%
---
Total Wallingford Electric Customers Served: about 24,000
Total Wallingford Electric Customers Reported Affected: around 50
% of Wallingford Electric Customers Reported Affected: <1%

(As of 5:30PM 10/29/2012)

Storm Safety Information as shared to me by Elizabeth Esty

Dear Jason,

I hope that you, your family, friends, and loved ones are staying safe, staying home, and keeping prepared during the storm. I want to pass along information Congressman Murphy recently sent out related to storm preparedness and response. You have likely already received this information, but in emergency situations like we’re experiencing, I believe it doesn’t hurt to be extra certain.

If you haven’t already, I want to encourage you to please sign up for Connecticut’s emergency notification system by going to http://ct.gov/ctalert/site/default.asp.

Governor Malloy has also set up a website to provide the latest announcements and preparedness information on Hurricane Sandy at http://ct.gov/sandy.

Also, here’s a state government website with how to information on creating an emergency supply kit - http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?Q=512922&A=4010.

If you need help finding an emergency shelter, please call 2-1-1.

And go to http://www.ct.gov/demhs/cwp/view.asp?a=1933&q=463414&demhsNav_GID=1996, for more information including insurance questions, disaster planning, and debris maintenance.

Sandy Now Largest Atlantic Storm Ever on Northeast Path

Winds picked up a little (above)

Video stream from Fairfield as of 10:43AM 10/29/2012

Sandy Now Largest Atlantic Storm Ever on Northeast Path

Connecticut Light and Power Outage Map

http://www.cl-p.com/outage/outagemap.aspx

This obviously does not indicate our power situation but it will give you an indication on what is going on around us.

Information is updated every 15 minutes.

Wallingford Public Schools are closed Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30

Wallingford Public Schools are closed Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30 due to the impending storm. #wpschools

https://www.facebook.com/wallingfordschools

WALLINGFORD: STORM and NATURAL DISASTER INFORMATION

As posted on the Town of Wallingford Website:

Wallingford Police Department Storm and Natural Disaster Information

“In our constant concern for the safety and welfare of the community, the Wallingford Police request that you take note of the hurricane preparation information provided in this document.”

Emergency Calls 9-1-1
Reporting of Routine Power Outages: (203) 265-5055
Routine Police and Fire Department Services: (203) 294-2800

Know the Difference

Hurricane Watch
Hurricane conditions are a threat within 36 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning
Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Preparation Tips

• In advance of the storm, if you have catch basins located near your home make sure they are clear of leaves/sand/debris.

• If you are on well water, store at least one gallon of water per person for 3 days.

Preparation Recommendations

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Fill your car’s gas tank
• Create an evacuation plan
• Plan routes to local shelters
• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days  -- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards- Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Keys
• Documents – put in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag and keep in a safe place (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc).
  • Social security cards
  • Proof of residence (deed or lease)
  • Insurance policies
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
  • Wills, deeds, copies of recent tax returns
• Pet care items for home and evacuation to a shelter. Proper identification / immunization records / medications ample supply of food and water a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash

Shelter Information

The shelter, if and when declared open, will be The Emergency Management Shelter, 37 Hall Road (off Cook Hill Road), Wallingford, CT 06492.

WHAT TO BRING TO A SHELTER

• Photo identification (Driver's License)
• Baby food/formula, diapers, wipes, teething gel, ointment
• Change of clothing
• Blankets
• Food & snacks, non-perishable, 3 day supply
• Sleeping bags
• Cell phone
• Pillows
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Hygiene or sanitary products
• Battery powered radio & extra batteries
• Medications, prescription & over-the-counter
• Eyeglasses
• Entertainment (toys, books, games, etc.)
• Dentures
• Cash, checkbook, credit cards

Other Information

Flood Prone Areas
This storm is forecasted to produce a large amount of rainfall. This may cause extensive flooding of streams and rivers that will quickly overrun their banks. This causes an extremely dangerous situation for residents as well as public safety workers. Plans should be made to voluntarily evacuate these flood prone areas.

Vehicles Crossing Moving Water
Most cars will float (and be swept away) in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance. Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly and the road bottoms can also wash away making the water much deeper than it appears.

Traffic Control
Power outages mean traffic lights will be out!
Police officers will not be able respond to every intersection. Motorist must stop at all intersections that have inoperable traffic lights to make sure that it is safe to proceed.

Down Utilities Wires
Any down utility wires should be considered live. Live utility wires will cause catastrophic injury. Stay clear and notify Wallingford Public Utilities at (203) 265-5055.

Other Important Links

www.ready.gov
www.ct.gov
www.redcross.org
www.nhc.noaa.gov

WALLINGFORD: STORM OUTAGES - How to Prepare and Manage

From the Town of Wallingford Website

Extended Outage Information

• Down or Sagging Wires Safety
• Medical Exemption Status
• Generator Safety
• Tips for Staying in Your Home During Extended Power Outages
• Tree Trimming and Debris Removal
• Overhead Facilities Responsibilities

Wallingford CT Community Forum

If you live in Wallingford CT, Wayne Harriman has started a community group to help keep you up to speed on Hurricane Sandy, and where you can post info, tips, links, or anything else that may be of help to Wallingford residents over the next few days.

Feel free to join the group, we have 59 members already and would love to see more come and join us and interact in the group. When the storm is over, we'll maintain the group as a place where Wallingford residents can come and talk about local events and news of importance to them. Here's the link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/335396073224324/