Community Corner

FEMA Command Center Opens Today in Fairfield [UPDATED]

The Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will be open at the Public Health Nurses building behind the Fairfield Senior Center (100 Mona Terrace) from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Update, Nov. 12, 5:55 a.m.

From the Town of Fairfield:

 A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Command Center will open at the Public Health Nurses building behind the Fairfield Senior Center, located at 100 Mona Terrace, for any Fairfield resident or business affected by Hurricane Sandy. The temporary center will be open during the following days and hours:

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Monday, Nov. 12: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 13: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 14: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

It is important that people who wish to file with FEMA do so before visiting the center so they can bring a FEMA claim number with them. To file with FEMA, residents can go online to www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

FEMA will determine if this center will remain open past Wednesday, Nov. 14, based on public response.

According to a statement from Gov. Dannel Malloy's office -- released late Friday afternoon -- more than $2.2 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved to help individuals with disaster expenses in Connecticut. To date:

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • More than 6,550 Connecticut residents in the counties of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribal Nation located within New London County have registered for federal disaster assistance.
  • More than $2.1 million has been approved for housing assistance, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs.
  • More than $134,000 has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions.
  • More than 600 households have received FEMA grants to help pay for temporary housing.
  • More than 1,400 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
  • More than 4,800 disaster loan applications have been issued by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). Of that number, more than 3,800 are for home loans, with more than 900 applications from businesses.

Update, Nov. 8, 1:39 p.m.

The latest from Fairfield's Emergency Operations Center:

The Final Code Red Alert

This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an update from the Emergency Management Team as of 11:30 am Thursday, November 8th, 2012.

As we slowly get back to our normal routine and operations here is what we hope to be our last CodeRed message.

The Town Call Center will be closing at the end of today.

We want to remind our seniors that our Senior Center is open.

For those waiting to make a donation towards the recovery efforts for Hurricane Sandy, we will have a press release with information later today.

We want to thank all our residents for their patience and understanding especially for their cooperation during the evacuation and staying off the streets when requested during the storm.

A big thank you to our Emergency Services Personnel, Town employees and volunteers who did so much throughout the storm.

Thank you and stay safe.

***

For the beach area: National Guard Checkpoints (Except by Fairfield Beahch Road) Withdrawn Today

This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with a special message regarding our town’s Beach Area as of 11 am Thursday, November 8th, 2012.

Now that power has been restored to almost all of the Beach Area we want to thank the National Guard for their help during this emergency.

We will be withdrawing all checkpoints except by Fairfield Beach Road by the end of today. There will be an increased police presence in the Beach Area during the restoration period.

We do want to remind everyone to take measures to secure their homes and property.

Debris and bulky material pickup at curbside will continue.

Thank you and stay safe.

***

Southern Connecticut Gas Working to Establish Service to Fairfield Beach Road Gas Main

This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an important message regarding Southern Conn. Gas Company as of 10 am Thursday, November 8th, 2012.

SCG is working full speed to establish the service to the gas main on Fairfield Beach Road. Please do not call the Building Department.

We are sorry for any of the miscommunication over the few days concerning gas hook ups.

We believe we have clarified everything with Southern CT Gas Company.

SCG crews are on site. They have the Town’s full approval and support to re-establish gas service to homes.

The Gas Company will not turn on the gas at any home unless someone is present.  If you are not going to be at your home on Fairfield Beach Road, you will need to call the Gas Company to make special arrangements.

Any questions or follow up should go directly to SCG at 1-800-659-8299.

As a safety reminder, if you smell natural gas, get up, get out and call 911.

Thank you and stay safe.

Update, Nov. 7, 4:47 p.m.

The latest CodeRed alert from First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

"This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an important message regarding Southern Conn. Gas Company as of 3 pm Wednesday, November 7th, 2012.

SCG is working on establishing the service to the gas main on Fairfield Beach Road hopefully they will be up to the 1300 block soon.

If your natural gas meter and/or regulator were under water, you must call SCG to have it inspected and service turned on, please use the check list before you call.

  1. The areas around your meter and gas equipment are dry.
  2. Your electric service has been restored
  3. Your water service has been restored (for boilers and water heaters)
  4. Customers can then contact SCG at 1-800-659-8299 to schedule an appointment.

You do not need to call the Building Department.

If you smell natural gas, get up, get out and call 911. Do not use any electrical appliances and do not turn lights on or off, or use the phone at the location of the suspected leak.

Over 700 homes in the beach area have had their electric meters reactivated and are back online with power.

Thank you and stay safe."

Update, Nov. 6, 7:48 p.m.

The latest from the Emergency Operations Center:

This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an important message from the Fairfield Emergency Management Team as of 4 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

UI reports 155 homes are without power which is 0.7%. This does not include the beach area flood zone.

From the Board of Education, there is school on Wednesday, November 7th! All schools, public and parochial, are open. DPW, UI and AT & T have made major progress opening roads. Please continue to use caution and please stay away from downed power lines.

Halloween – due to the Nor’easter, we are asking everyone to celebrate Halloween Saturday, November 10th. The Chamber of Commerce has cancelled Safety Street. Our Police, Fire and Town Departments will hold a Trunk or Treat from 1 pm to 4 pm Saturday in the north parking lot of the downtown Railroad Station. All are welcome.

Thank you, stay safe and make sure all your homework is done!"

Update, Nov. 6, 3:24 p.m.

United Illluminating reports that 1.28 percent of Fairfield customers and 0.91 percent of Southport households remain without power as of Tuesday afternoon.

Though UI met its goal of restoring power to 95 percent of its customer base by 11:59 p.m. Monday (a goal they hit a day early), the aforementioned Fairfield/Southport customer base is still powerless in the face of an impending Nor'easter forecast to hit the area Wednesday.

The list of streets that were set as work orders today for UI (not a guarantee of restoration) is below. According to the town of Fairfield's Facebook page, "UI expects to have the crews migrate to single service outages by the end of today and into tonight and tomorrow."

COLLEGE PL
RHODA AVE
VALLEYVIEW RD
BLACK ROCK TPKE
COLONIAL DR
TOWNE HOUSE RD
NORTHWOOD RD
HORACE CT
JAMES ST
ROSEMERE AVE
ARGONNE ST
HORNBEAM RD
BLACK ROCK TPKE
OLD POST RD
MOREHOUSE HWY
WHITE OAK RD
IRONSIDE RD
JACKMAN AVE
BLACK ROCK TPKE
BLACK ROCK TPKE
REDDING RD
HOLLOW TREE CIR
SASCO HILL RD
BROOKBEND RD
HEMLOCK HILLS RD S
OLD SPRING RD
CONGRESS ST

STILLSON RD
CONGRESS ST
FAIRFIELD WOODS RD
ROUND HILL RD
BURR ST
BURR ST
KNAPPS HWY
ROANOKE AVE
BEACON VIEW DR
BURR ST
TOILSOME HILL RD

And for Southport:

MILL HILL TER
S GATE LN
OPEN GATE LN

Many of the remaining outages are within the beach area of town. Anyone seeking accommodation should call the town's Emergency Call Line at 203-254-4899 Here's the latest CodeRed alert for those beach area residents:

"In preparation of Wednesday’s Nor’easter, we advise residents to secure their homes, if it sustained damage. We anticipate that it will affect our area on Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. Sustained winds are expected from 20 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. We expect some possible flooding. Please prepare for flooding in areas not previously prone to flooding due to the beach erosion and change in topography.

Check points will remain in effect south of Edward Street until Saturday. Resident and Contractor passes are being issued at Veterans Park for access to the flooded beach areas. We are asking all contractors to have one of these passes.

If your electric meter has been deactivated, please get an electrician to inspect and repair your system. Once completed, have the electrician call our Building Department to confirm at 203-256-3036.

At Veterans Park on Reef Road FEMA is assisting residents in filing claims, until 5 pm today. The Fire personnel are distributing MRE'S.

Thank you and stay safe."

Update, Nov. 6, 12:30 p.m.

The latest from the Emergency Operations Center:

"This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with a message from the Fairfield Emergency Management Team as of Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 10 am.

As you have guessed, Fairfield has been hit harder than any other town by Hurricane Sandy.

UI reports 582 homes still out for 2.5% outage, this does not include the beach area flooding. Much of the outages relate to downed poles, either UI or AT& T.

A FEMA team has a tent set up at Veterans Park on Reef Road to help our residents with forms and information from 9 am to 5 pm.

We are working to get schools open and we still have 19 road blockages with downed trees and wires.

We are asking everyone to prepare for the Nor’easter coming late Wednesday. We expect rain and 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph.

Our shelter at the Oldfield Senior Center will be open for anyone needing a warm place to sleep. Call our Call Center at 203-254-4899 for additional information.

Please be sure to vote, both Democratic and Republican headquarters are coordinating rides to the polls for any voters. Please call 203-955-1394 or 203-955-1429 if you need a ride.

Halloween – due to the Nor’easter, we are asking everyone to celebrate Halloween Saturday, November 10th. The Chamber of Commerce has cancelled Safety Street. Our Police, Fire and Town Departments will hold a Trunk or Treat from 1 pm to 4 pm Saturday in the north parking lot of the downtown Railroad Station. All are welcome.

Thank you and stay safe."

Update, Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.

A message from the town's Emergency Operations Center:

UI reports 7.3 percent of their customers in Fairfield are without power and 1.83 percent of customers in Southport. Anyone who wants to ensure that UI restoration lists include their address should call UI at 800-722-5584. All downed and low-hanging wires over roads and sidewalks should also be reported to UI at 800-722-5584.

Please call 203-254-4800 if you know of any resident or neighbor with special needs or medical conditions who may have lost communications due to the storm and may be housebound.

Election Day
All ten regular polling sites will be in operation. Go to your normal voting location to vote on Tuesday.

Commuter parking at the train stations will return to normal operations at 6:30 Tuesday morning; all vehicles without permits must be relocated at that time.

Fire Department instructions:
* Portable generators must be used outside in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
* Call 911 for activated Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors and leaking Propane Tanks.
* Unplug appliances and shut off stoves and heaters prior to power restoration.

Hazardous Waste Disposal
For homes in the flood zone place items at the curb with bulk pick up.

FEMA: Register at 800-621-3362 or online at DisasterAssistance.gov

VETERANS PARK: FEMA Trailer, Salvation Army Police / Fire Command Post
Location: Reef Rd & Edward St

Resident/Contractor Passes
For entry into evacuated areas will be issued today from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Tuesday 8 am to 5 pm.

Our Call Center (203-254-4899) is open 9am to 5pm for information; 911 is for life-threatening emergencies only

 

Update, Nov. 5, 3 p.m.

Fairfield's Emergency Operations Team has set up a mobile command unit at Veterans Park (909 Reef Road) with other amenities open to the public, especially to beach area residents.

The unit -- which includes a heated shelter, FEMA trailer, and Salvation Army representatives -- will be open Monday until 5 p.m. and then from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Friday.

Beach area residents can obtain passes issued by Fairfield police and fire officials to allow residents access to their properties. Once a resident receives a pass, he or she may bring non-residents -- like licensed contractors -- to view the property.

Salvation Army is handing out coffee, pastries, chips, and sandwiches and will accept food donations that can be prepared and distributed at Veterans Park.

"We're trying to spread resources around," Police Chief Gary MacNamara said. The beach area will likely be one of the last places to get power back, and there is a lot of construction, traffic, and debris in the area.

"We want to bring order to a chaotic scene," MacNamara added.

Officials are also distributing MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) at Veterans Park. Residents are welcome to sit in the warming center (a tent behind the mobile command unit) and have medical complaints checked out, according to Assitant Fire Chief Scott Bisson.

"We're trying to use all our resources -- everyone working together, supporting the town as a whole," Bisson said.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representative Rita Egan was on scene at Veterans Park on Monday. A total of 3,088 residents in Connecticut have registered for FEMA relief -- including 1,980 in Fairfield County and 699 in New Haven County, Egan said.

As of Nov. 5, $590,000 in FEMA aid had been approved in Connecticut for temporary housing and other needs (including relief for lost personal property), according to Egan.

Residents who wish to register with FEMA can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY line for people with speech or hearing disabilities is 1-800-462-7585.  The line is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days per week.

Have access to the Internet and prefer to register online? Head to www.disasterassistance.gov.

Egan said to have your insurance policy number of name of your insurance agent ready prior to calling or registering online. The process takes about 15-20 minutes. Residents will be asked for a contact number they can be reached on when a FEMA verifier is sent to assess their property.

Residents must qualify for assistance -- FEMA is not a charity, Egan said.

Those who register will also be asked to fill out paperwork for potential loans from the Small Business Administration -- even if they are not small business owners, according to Egan. This doesn't mean you have to take out the loan, Egan said, but gives options for the long run following a disaster like Sandy.

All personal information provided to FEMA is protected by the Privacy Act, Egan added.

Egan also suggested that residents who were not impacted severely by the storm take the time to check out their insurance policies to see what is covered in preparation for future natural disasters and emergencies.

Update, Nov. 5, 12:37 p.m.

An update from the First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

U.I. reports 10.7 percent of the town is without power with 165 crews working.

Voting will take place tomorrow; polls open from 6:00am to 8:00pm. It is important for all of us to vote -- don’t let Hurricane Sandy take away your vote (for more, see "Photo IDs Not Needed to Vote in Connecticut").

Schools are closed for students today and tomorrow due to downed trees and wires causing street closures.

We have a potential Nor’easter coming in Wednesday/Thursday. Please be prepared -- with temps dropping please keep an eye on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly.

If you are celebrating Halloween Wednesday evening please be careful.

FEMA teams are set up at Veterans Park 1-5 today and 8-5 tomorrow to give out information and assist our residents. You can also call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Our Call Center is open 203-254-4899 for information; 911 is for life-threatening emergencies only.

We have a ways to go. We’re all in this together – thank you and stay safe.

Update, Nov. 4,  11 p.m.

According to United Illuminating, 12 percent of Fairfield remains without power, as does 4.41 percent of Southport.

Residents are encouraged to call UI at 800-722-5584 to get their street included on the daily restoration lists.

Updated, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.

Although Fairfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, all polling locations in town now have power and will be open on Election Day, town officials said in an afternoon update.

According to United Illuminating's outage map, 2,910 out of 21,896 customers in Fairfield — or 11% of town — were without power as of 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The utlility is estimating that it will achieve 95% power restoration for its entire service area by end of day Monday.

Currently there are about 173 UI crews working in Fairfield to restore power. All downed and low-hanging wires over roads and sidewalks should be reported to UI at 800-722-5584.

According to the update from town officials, Fairfield has the "usual supply of gasoline" and most, if not all service stations are open for business.

Meanwhile FEMA has Forward Assessment Teams deployed across town who are assessing damage and meeting with property owners.

Residents seeking reimbursement for storm damage should call 800-621-3362 or register online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

The Ludlowe High School shelter has been closed — however emergency sleeping accommodations are available from 8pm to 8am at the Mona Terrace Senior Center as needed.

Commuter parking at the train stations will return to normal operations at 6:30 Tuesday morning; all vehicles without permits must be relocated at that
time.

Charging Stations for all devices remain open at Police HQ, Fire HQ, and at FD Station 2 at 600 Jennings Road, as well as at the Command Post at Shoprite on Black Rock Turnpike.

The Storm Recovery Call Center (203-254-4899) remains staffed and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Town Hall Building Department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

The Public Works Transfer Station & Green Cycle are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Main and Fairfield Woods libraries are open and operating under normal hours.

Updated, Nov. 4, 11:50 a.m.

Fairfield Public and Parochial schools will be closed on Monday, according to the Fairfield Public Schools Web site, but Central Office and 12-month employees will report on Monday. Schools will also be closed on Tuesday for Election Day.

Updated, Nov. 4, 9:19 a.m.

As of 9 a.m., 21 percent of Fairfield customers are currently without power, according to United Illuminating.

Updated, Nov. 3, 5:56 p.m.

The following statement was released by First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

U.I. reports 35% of the town is without power (7,322 customers). Southport is down to 363 customers which is approximately 19.5%.

The shelter is operational from 8pm to 8 pm, currently housing 8 residents.

Fairfield Beach Rd West: is now open to residents and their contractors with
proof of residency. Some of the hazards you may encounter are:

• Trucks and Payloaders actively engaged in cleanup
• Debris: please do not block the road as to allow for emergency personnel

The Fire Department advises that you should unplug appliances and check stoves for debris as power is restored.

On Election Day all ten sites are planned to be in operation. Go to your normal location to vole on Tuesday.

The Call center will be staffed 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday.

Greencycle and Transfer station will be open from 7am to5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Building Department is open 8:30 am to 4:30pm Saturday and Sunday

The Main Library and the Fairfield Woods Branch have extended hours

Board of Ed will decide on Sunday if schools will open on Monday, November 5th.

We appreciate everyone’s patience. We are all in this together. We are working hard to get everything back to normal.

Updated, Nov. 3 4:21 p.m.

UI will be on the following streets on Nov. 3 to restore power:

BENNETT ST
BLACK ROCK TPKE
BLUE BELL LN
BROOKBEND RD
BULLARD ST
BURROUGHS RD
CANTERBURY LN
CARROLL RD
CATHERINE TER
CHELSEA ST
CHURCH HILL RD
COLLINGWOOD AVE
DEEPWOOD RD
EASTLAWN ST
FAIRLAND DR
GALLOPING HILL RD
HEMLOCK HILLS S
HOLLYDALE RD
HOYDENS HILL RD
LANCELOT RD
MAYWEED RD
MELVILLE AVE
MILL RIVER RD
MINE HILL RD
MULBERRY HILL RD
NEWTON ST
OLD FARM RD
OLD OAKS RD
ORCHARD HILL DR
PALAMAR DR
REDDING RD
ROMANOCK RD
RONALD DR
ROWLAND RD
SCHOOL ST
SHADY HILL RD
SIGWIN DR
STRATFIELD RD
TAHMORE DR
TOILSOME HILL RD
VALLEY RD
VALLEY RD
VERMONT AVE
WARSAW ST
WARWICK AVE
WOODRIDGE AVE
CEDAR RD
KINGS DR
MAIN ST
PEQUOT AVE
SOUTHPORT WOODS DR
STEEP HILL RD

Update, Nov. 3, 4:08 a.m.

All polling locations in Fairfield will be open on Tuesday for Election Day, according to a statement by First Selectman Mike Tetreau. He said that nine of out 10 locations have power, but all will be ready for Tuesday.

As of 4 p.m., 33 percent of Fairfield customers are currently without power, down from 35 percent at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to UI.

Update, Nov. 3, 1:00 p.m.

Fairfield Beach Road is now accessible to residents and licensed contractors who have been hired by homeowners, according to a Code Red Message from the Fairfield Emergency Operation Center.

Verification will be required to access this area and parking is very limited. No vehicles will be allowed to park in a manner which would impede emergency vehicles from operating in the area.

The EOC has warned that many hazards still exist in this area. Caution should be exercised when entering any structure.

Update, Nov. 3, 12:30 p.m.

There was reportedly a water main break at Fairfield Beach Road as of about 12 noon.

A resident reported that tap water at her residence had turned brown as a result. "The Aquarion phone clerk said the fix will be at least 4 to 6 hours," the resident reported.

Patch will provide updated information on the water main break when it becomes available.

Update, Nov. 3, 10:46 a.m.

As of Saturday morning, 7,952 UI customers, or 36.5 percent, are currently without power. The following update was posted on the Town of Fairfield Web site:

United Illuminating expect 95% of the power to be restored by midnight Monday night; on Friday at 5:00pm 43% of our residents were without power. South Pine Creek Road and South Benson Road and all points east are open to residents who live in that area. Fairfield Beach Road areas are still closed for its length. The commercial districts in town largely have power and many businesses are open. Thank you all for your patience during this trying time.

FEMA’s Forward Assessment Team is now performing initial damage assessments; residents with damage to their home, vehicle or property are asked to register at DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362, giving their SSN, Current & Damaged Address, Phone & Insurance Info.

Please call 203-254-4800 if you know of any resident or neighbor with special needs or medical conditions who may have lost communications due to the storm and may be housebound. Please call 203-254-4700 if you are aware of smoke or carbon monoxide detector problems and emergency personnel will provide spares as needed.

TOWN SERVICES:
Fairfield Emergency Call Center 203-254-4899 is staffed 9-5 daily.
Town Hall Building Department is open 8:30-4:30 daily starting Saturday.
The Public Works Transfer Station & Green Cycle are open 7-5:30pm daily.
Main and Fairfield Woods Libraries are open 9-8 Saturday & 9-5 Sunday.
Fairfield Ludlowe High School Shelter are limited to overnights 8pm-8am.
Emergency Info Centers are open 8-6 at Greenfield Hill Church, Black Rock Tpk ShopRite & Stratfield IGA.
The Board of Education & Public Schools remain closed until further notice.

POWER: Charging Stations for all electronic devices have been opened at Police HQ, Fire HQ, FD Station 2 at 600 Jennings Road, Command Posts at Shoprite on Black Rock Turnpike and IGA on Stratfield Road.
SHOWERS: Fairfield University RecPlex and Planet Fitness at 111 Black Rock Turnpike have made their showers available to residents who have been impacted by the storm.
WATER/MRE: Bottled water/MREs distributed out of Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
FOOD/FUEL/INTERNET ACCESS: Various commercial establishments along the Post Road and Black Rock Turnpike including all major grocery stores (Shoprite, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods).
OXYGEN: Power for machines is available at Ludlowe HS Shelter; all others may be transported to hospitals.

Bottled water, meals & cleaning kits are available at Fairfield Ludlowe High School on Unquowa Road.
Non-operating traffic signals must be treated as four-way stop signs.

Update, Nov. 2, 6:45 p.m.

The latest from the town's Emergency Operations Center:

This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an update from the Fairfield Emergency Management Team on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 at 4 pm.

The town continues to make progress in restoring order and services to residents. U.I. reports 57% of the power has been restored, with 371 trees and wires down. Power has been restored to Kings Highway East, parts of Southport east of River Street and the Black Rock Turnpike traffic lights -- except for the lights at the intersection of Black Rock Turnpike and Burroughs Road -- are now online.

Building inspectors and U.I. continue to make significant progress in restoring power to Senior Housing complexes and Public Schools.

The beach area water receded although there are elevated pockets of water and passage by vehicles is still deemed unsafe. The initial damage assessment is 677 homes were affected by the hurricane. Residents going to the security check points with proof of residency will be allowed access to their homes.
Fairfield Beach Road west of Reef Rd. remains closed and accessed only by Emergency personnel and Town Officials. Residents in this area can view their property with the assistance of Nat’l Guard troops at specific times and places determined each day.

Police presence has been increased in all areas of town to deter any criminal activity.

The Fairfield Ludlowe High School Shelter is transitioning to a night time only mode between the hours of 8 pm and 8 am, as we continue making accommodations for those residents still in need.

We ask your patience as we restore services, we remain committed to our mission to make Fairfield safer, and will continue to update you through CodeRed messages this weekend.

Please contact our Hurricane Call Center at 203 254-4899 for information. The center will be staffed on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm and a recorded message after hours. Thank you and stay safe.

Update, Nov. 2, 3:20 p.m.

First Selectman Michael Tetreau, emergency personnel, and state representatives addressed the following topics, questions, and concerns at Friday's community meeting at First Church:

United Illuminating/Power: According to Tetreau, UI confirmed that there are 66 crews (approximately 120 people) on the ground in Fairfield. He added this made this news gave him hope that the 95 percent goal by 11:59 p.m. Monday would be fulfilled.

As of 2:55 p.m. Friday, 41.92 percent of Fairfield was still powerless, as well as 50.38 percent of Southport.

Another goal of the town is to have all the usual polling places open for Tuesday -- Election Day. A few of the places are currently without power but that should not be the case by the time polls are set to open at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Shelter at Fairfield Ludlowe High School: The shelter will remain open as a "sleep-only" facility for Friday night, Deputy Fire Chief Art Reid said. Beyond that, the need will be assessed on a day-to-day basis. There will no longer be food service at the shelter, but many nearby eateries on the Post Road are open.

Security: In both the beach area and beyond, Fairfield police have amped up security, Police Chief Gary MacNamara said. Both police and fire personnel have doubled up staff on shifts. Foot patrols are continuously monitoring the beach area, Southport, areas north of the Post Road, and the Villa Avenue area of Black Rock Turnpike.

Flooded areas/pumping: Public Works Director Joe Michelangelo assured residents that pumping will continue on the streets that had been inundated with water -- including streets where only pockets of water remained in yards.

Fairfield Beach Road (West of Reef Road) Residents: According to MacNamara, the level of access allowed to owners of homes west of Reef Road will be assessed on a daily basis. Currently, residents are not allowed to return to that area, nor are contractors allowed to assess the damage. Police will release updates on access via the CodeRed system, social media, the Town and police websites, and through the press.

As far as preparing for a potential Nor'easter in the middle of next week, Fairfield Beach Road residents voiced concern about protecting damaged homes that would be exposed. Again, the ability to go into the area and board up exposed areas would be determined on a day-to-day basis, according to MacNamara.

State Sen. John McKinney said he was trying to get an answer from the Department of Environmental and Energy Protection about building temporary seawalls to help protect the homes from next week's potential storm.

Building Department: The Building Department will be opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Fairfield Public Schools: A decision on whether schools will be open on Monday will be made early Sunday. It will be posted on the Fairfield Public Schools' website.

Woody/Bulky Debris Pickup: Michelangelo said both woody and debris pickup would be ongoing after it begins Monday. Woody debris pickup will be available to all residents; currently, bulky debris pickup is limited to residents in areas that had been inundated with water -- those streets can be found here.   

Update, Nov. 2, 12 p.m.

The following is an update from the Emergency Operations Center:

The Fairfield Emergency Operations Center will be having both a Press conference and a Community information /needs meeting at 1:00pm at the First Congregation Church located at 148 Beach Rd, across from Town Hall.

The First Selectman, Police and Fire Chiefs, National Guard as well as other town officials will be on hand to answer beach residents questions. There will be information regarding the latest updates with regards to damage and accessibility to Fairfield Beach Road. They will also talk about other areas in town that still remain without power. They will also address security concerns.

Currently 672 structures have been examined around the beach area with 500 sustaining minimum damage, 87 sustaining moderate damage, 64 sustaining severe damage, 26 condemned (that number will rise), and 43 percent of homes remain without power.

No private contractors are allowed in the beach area at this time.

This list and more information will be available at the 1PM meeting at 148 Beach Road, Fairfield CT.

Update, Nov. 2, 11:15 a.m.

A message from the Fairfield Police Department:

Any resident, who would like to view their property on Fairfield Beach Road, West of Reef Road, may meet at the Sherman Green parking lot on Reef Road between the hours of 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. You will be transported by a military vehicle to Fairfield Beach Road where you will have a brief opportunity to view your property. You should call the Storm Recovery Info Line at 203-254-4899 for more details and restrictions.

Update, Nov. 2, 10:05 a.m.

Here's an update from the Fairfield Public Works Department:

Town Crews continue to work on clearing Town roads to make them passable to two lanes of traffic. All the trees without wires were cleared very quickly. As you are aware, there are still an number of locations where downed trees with wires are still completely blocking town roads. Without making excuses, Public Works crews cannot work on these independently, and require a UI line crew (or their subcontractor) to perform this work. However, based on the current level of UI Line Safe Crews provided, I would expect our roads to be substantially clear by some time on Sat 11/3/12.

As far as water levels in the beach area, the large scale pumping of water back into the Sound is having positive effects. The extent of the water line is constantly changing, but the fact that it has receded to the south of Reef Road and One Rod Highway is an indication of the success.

Transfer Station - The facilities on One Rod Highway reopened at 7:00 am on Friday 11/2/12. Hours have been extended to 7:00am to 5:30pm. The facility will be open these hours on Saturday Nov. 3 and Sunday Nov. 4 and into the following week. All other normal Transfer Station rules and policies remain the same.

Green Cycle - The facilities on One Rod Highway reopened at 7:00 am on Friday 11/2/12. Hours have been extended to 7:00am to 5:30pm. The facility will be open these hours on Saturday Nov. 3 and Sunday Nov. 4 and into the following week. All other normal Transfer Station rules and policies remain the same.

Woody Debris Collection - The Town of Fairfield will begin the Town wide curbside collection of brush, logs, trees, etc. along town roads, beginning on 11/5/12. This include material the originated along the Town roads plus brush from private residences. However, Town forces will not be entering private properties and residents must bring this material for curbside. More specific information such as routes and collection dates are still being finalized. We realize you are facing other challenges, but encourage you to bring any material to curbside at the earliest time possible.

Limited Bulky Debris Collection - The Town of Fairfield will begin the curbside collection of water of damaged materials in the severely flooded area, beginning on 11/5/12. This include material such as carpeting, furniture, washing machine, etc. This will not include general household garbage and refuse, which should be disposed of through your garbage contractor or by bring it to the transfer station.. This will be the limited to the actual areas that were inundated with water. Please see the DPW page for the list of streets: http://www.fairfieldct.org/dpw.htm

Update, Nov. 1, 7:38 p.m.

The following is an update from Fairfield's Parks and Recreation Department:

"The Town of Fairfield Fitness Center will open tomorrow 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and then regular hours starting on Saturday. Residents can come and use the showers, charge phones, etc. The golf courses will open at 12 p.m. tomorrow and then regular hours starting on Saturday. For more details, please visit http://www.fairfieldrecreation.com/."

Here's the latest from the Town of Fairfield and emergency personnel:

"This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an update from the Fairfield Emergency Management Team as of 6:00 pm, Thursday Nov. 1.

The Town Hall and Libraries are open; Public Works Transfer Station and Green Cycle are reopening tomorrow (Friday) morning and throughout the weekend from 7 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. The Board of Education and Public Schools are closed until further notice.

The state has granted a property tax extension for all residents through Nov. 15. The election will be held this Tuesday, and we are planning to have your normal polling locations open.

United Illuminating reports that 49% of our residents are still without power; they’ve targeted 95% of power restored by Monday at midnight. Currently Southport has 95% without power, so we have a long way to go.

After our top 10 locations -- such as the waste treatment facility, Police and Fire Headquarters, the 911 Center and the Ludlowe Shelter -- UI sets the priorities for all other restorations. They do not take input or listen to the town, but set priorities based on restoring the maximum number of outages per repair.

For information on food, ice, water and charging stations, please check the town and police websites and Facebook (town // police) or contact our Call Center at 203-254-4899.

We understand the struggles created by hurricane “Sandy” and thank you for your patience during this trying time. We’re all in this together, working as hard as we can to get everybody back into their homes as quickly as possible.

Thank you and stay safe."

Update, Nov. 1, 2 p.m.

Dozens of residents came out to Greenfield Hill Congregational Church on Thursday to hear from town officials, emergency personnel, and state legislators on Fairfield's progress following Hurricane Sandy.

Some residents who spoke -- and who entered Day 4 without power Thursday -- targeted their frustration toward United Illuminating's preparation and response to the storm.

On Wednesday, officials reported that there were three "make-safe" crews on the ground in town -- not enough, according to First Selectman Michael Tetreau. And certainly not enough to the 57 percent of citizens without power (including 100 percent of Southport residents).

One resident described the response as "abominable," and urged Tetreau to take a stronger stance with the company.

Tetreau said that UI "could have been much quicker, much sooner." He explained the communication between crews and the representative staying with the town's Emergency Operations Center is not where it should be.

"We are on UI's back," Fire Chief Richard Felner agreed. "Tetreau is calling them every five to 10 minutes."

The First Selectman also explained that prior to the storm, the town set 10 priorities for UI to go by -- UI determines the rest. Power does not come back by neighborhood, but by which circuits show the most power outages, according to Tetreau.

There are closet to 300 trees still entangled with wires that Public Works personnel are not allowed to touch until UI assesses and makes sure the wires are safe, he added.

State Rep. Brenda Kupchick relayed some information she and other state legislators heard Thursday on a conference call with UI. The company has requested more crews and linemen from out of state -- a step Kupchick said she personally felt should have been done before the storm.

Other officials agreed. Residents applauded the statement.

"UI is not getting a free pass on this," State Rep. Tony Hwang (R-134) said.

Kupchick added that UI officials said that they expect to release a more specific timetable on restoration than was released Thursday.

Update, Nov. 1, 1 p.m.

According to the Town of Fairfield Facebook page, tax payments will be accepted today until 5:30 p.m. An extension has been granted to pay the Real Estate taxes until Nov. 15, 2012.

No extension was granted for the WPCA/Annual Sewer Use bills so today, Nov. 1, is still the last day to pay without penalty, U.S. postmark accepted.

The following is the lastest CodeRed announcement from First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

United Illuminating expect 95% of the power to be restored at midnight Monday night, currently 55% of our residents are still without power.

South Pine Creek Road and South Benson Road and all points east are open to residents who live in that area. Fairfield Beach Road areas are still closed from Reef Road east to Beach Road. The Post Road and Black Rock Turnpike commercial district now have power and some businesses are open. Thank you all for your patience during this trying time.

On Thursday morning at 11am town officials will be meeting with media and residents at the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church at Bronson Road and Old Academy to answer questions. That location will also serve as an information point from 11:00am - 5:00pm on Thursday.

Please note: PORTABLE GENERATORS MUST BE USED WITH
CAUTION OUTSIDE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

Please call 203-254-4800 if you are aware of any resident or neighbor with special needs/medical conditions who may have lost communications due to the storm and are now housebound. Please call 203-254-4700 if you are aware of
smoke or carbon monoxide detector problems, and emergency personnel will provide spare as needed.

The Town Hall and both Main and Fairfield Woods Libraries are open.

The Board of Education and Public Works Transfer Station and Green Cycle remain closed until further notice.

Fairfield Ludlowe High School’s Shelter will be closing on Friday afternoon.

Fairfield Emergency Call Center 203-254-4899 is staffed 9-5.

Emergency Information Centers are located at Black Rock Turnpike ShopRite & Stratfield IGA (Stratfield Road/Fairfield Woods Road).

Update, Oct. 31, 10:30 p.m.

Showers will be offered Thursday at the following businesses/organizations:

  • Fairfield Parks and Recreation Fitness Center (75 Mill Plain Road) - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Planet Fitness (111 Black Rock Turnpike)
  • Fairfield University RecPlex (1073 North Benson Road)
  • PHYTness 4U (1499 Post Road, lower level)
  • The Edge Fitness Club (500 Kings Highway Cutoff) - $10

The following supermarkets are open in or nearby Fairfield:

  •  Stop & Shop Market, 800 Villa Avenue – Dry Goods only
  • Stop & Shop Market, 2145 Fairfield Avenue, Brideport – Dry Goods only
  • Stop & Shop Market, 4531 Main Street, Bridgeport – Full Service
  • Stop & Shop Market 1790 Post Road, Westport – Dry Goods only
  • Stop & Shop Market, 100 Quality Street, Trumbull – Dry Goods only
  • Stop & Shop Market, 5 River Road, Wilton – Full Service
  • Stop & Shop Market, 1160 Kings Highway – Dry Goods and Limited Perishables
  • Shoprite, 250 Barnum Ave. Cutoff, Stratford – Full Service
  • Shoprite 1973 Black Rock Turnpike – Dry Goods only
  •  Target, Trumbull Shopping Mall – Full Service
  • Whole Foods, 350 Grasmere Avenue – Full Service

The following is the latest CodeRed alert from First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an update from the Fairfield Emergency Management Team as of 6:00 pm, Wednesday.

Fairfield will remain in a “Make Safe” mode for at least the next three days.

The Town Hall and Library is opening tomorrow morning at 8 am, the Board of Education the Green Cycle and Transfer Stations remain closed until further notice.

United Illuminating reports there 55 percent of our residents are still without power (updated at 9:56 p.m.); 100 percent of Southport residents are without power.

Beach area update: South Pine Creek Road and South Benson Road and all points east are open to residents who live in that area. Fairfield Beach Road areas are still closed from Reef Road east to Beach Road. Flooding conditions still exist and roads are impassable.

The Post Road and parts of Black Rock Turnpike commercial district now have sporadic power and some businesses are open.

On Thursday morning at 11:00 am town officials will be meeting with residents at Bronson Road and Old Academy to answer questions.

For information on food, ice, water and charging stations, please check the town and police websites and facebook or contact our Call Center at 203 254-4899.

We understand the struggles created by hurricane “Sandy” and we ask for your patience during this trying time.

Thank you and stay safe.

Update, 6:08 p.m.

According to United Illuminating, 62.74 percent of Fairfield remains without power -- which equates to 13,725 homes and businesses. 

The Fairfield Public Library -- both the main location and the Fairfield Woods branch -- will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, with WiFi and outlets to charge appliances.

Both Old Town Hall and Sullivan Independence Hall will also be open Thursday during their regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Food and water is available for victims at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.

For a list of restaurants and businesses open, see this post.

Update, 3:12 p.m.

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and Congressman Jim Himes visited Fairfield Wednesday to assess the damage left by Hurricane Sandy.

The main point Fairfield officials are trying to get across -- the town needs more United Illuminating crews.

There were at least three UI crews assigned to Fairfield Wednesday, up from the one crew assigned Tuesday, First Selectman Michael Tetreau told Wyman and Himes.

"It's nowhere near what we need," the First Selectman. He later said the town has been requesting more crews since before the storm began.

There are 282 cases of trees entangled in wires, which Public Works personnel cannot clear until UI de-energizes the wires, according to Tetreau.

Electricity, gas, and water had to be cut off to homes on Fairfield Beach Road -- there's still standing water and live wires down in the area.

And people.

Emergency personnel are working to check out homes and record who stayed, who evacuated before the storm, and who wants to leave. According to Police Lt. James Perez, some people who did not evacuate during the storm are requesting assistance to leave the area.

Eight people were removed from the area on Monday, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Bisson said.

Crews will start pumping water from the area Wednesday, Tetreau said.

"This storm is much worse than Irene was," Wyman, who visited South Pine Creek with officials, said.

Regarding UI, Wyman said that no one's ever pleased until they're up and running, but the utility crews are working hard and are expected to give a restoration timeline on Thursday.

"We still need a lot of work to be done," she said.

According to Police Chief Gary MacNamara, FEMA representatives are currently assessing the damage in Fairfield.

Members of the National Guard are also in Fairfield, assisting in cleaning up tree damage, Tetreau said.

Both Himes and Wyman said they would try to get more utility crews to Fairfield.

Update, Oct. 31, 12:09 p.m.

The latest CodeRed message from First Selectman Michael Tetreau and Fairfield's Emergency Operations Center:

Fairfield is still in “Make Safe” mode, we have flood water and downed power line in much of the beach area.

We have over 280 downed trees entangled with power lines around town.

Due to the unsafe condition of many of our roads and side streets, we are asking everyone to postpone Halloween/Trick or Treat until Wednesday, November 7th.

Some power restoration is beginning to take place as substations come back online. 70 percent of the town is still without power.

Please be cautious and please only travel as needed.

For more information, please contact our Town Call Center at 203 254-4899.

Thank you and stay safe.

Update, Oct. 31, 11:08 a.m.

Here is this morning's update from the Town of Fairfield:

SHOWERS:

Fairfield University – RecPlex – 1073 North Benson Road  (bring your own towel)

Planet Fitness - 111 Black Rock Turnpike (Fairfield still closed due to power but will be available as soon as power is restored.)

Other (open) nearby Planet Fitness locations offering showers:

  • Milford - 179 Boston Post Road
  • Norwalk - 26 Pearl Street
  • Shelton - 760 Bridgeport Avenue
  • Trumbull - 25 Lindeman Drive

PUBLIC CHARGING STATIONS:

Fire Station 1 – Reef Road

Fire Station 2 – Jennings Road

Police Headquarters – Lobby

Emergency Shelter – Fairfield Ludlowe High School

INFORMATION CENTERS:

Remote Information Centers will be set up at the following locations:

Stratfield IGA on Stratfield Road & Fairfield Woods Road

ShopRite on Black Rock Tpke

 

Update, Oct. 31, 10:06 a.m.

With more than two-thirds of town still in the dark, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has cancelled this year's "Trick or Treat on Safety Street" event in the downtown area. As the chamber's president and CEO, told Patch in an email, most residents' minds are on safety and restoration of services right now.

Update, Oct. 31, 9:45 a.m.

PHYtness 4U gym is offering free hot showers today, per its Facebook page. The gym is located at 1499 Post Road in the lower level. Bring your own towels.

According to United Illuminating, 70.18 percent of Fairfield remains without power.

Update, Oct. 30, 10 p.m.

United Illuminating is slowly restoring power to Fairfield. As of 9:30 p.m., 68.72 percent of the town was without power -- down from 98 percent in the afternoon.

There were reports late Tuesday that the power had been restored to businesses in Fairfield Center.

Old Post Tavern reported on its Facebook page that power had been restored and the restaurant would open at 11 a.m. Wednesday (and the public is welcome to come charge their electronics!)

Chef's Table will also be open Wednesday, per its Facebook page.

To find out if your favorite is business has been restored, check to see if they have a Facebook page. Most Fairfield businesses have been diligent in updating via social media channels like Facebook.

Update, Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m.

The latest CodeRed from First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

"This is First Selectman Michael Tetreau with an update from the Fairfield Emergency Management Team as of 4 pm, Tuesday. Fairfield continues to be in a state of emergency. Residents are advised to stay home and off the roads to allow emergency personnel to respond to true life threatening emergencies. The shelter remains open with 217 people and is almost at capacity.

Residents who reside 100 yards south of Old Post Road and Oldfield Road may return to their homes. Residents returning to this area will find there are no utilities in service. 

Residents in Southport may return to their homes, but should exercise caution.

Anyone entering beyond that point will likely face many hazards, including contaminated drinking water, gas leaks and structural damage. Parking restrictions will be in effect from Old Post Road to Oldfield and south to the beach and streets will be posted. Non-residents and unauthorized vehicles are subject to being towed.

Halloween is postponed to next week, Nov. 7.

DPW estimates 272 trees with wires still down on the roadways and U.I. continues making lines safe before DPW can open the roads. Fire officials report they made several more rescues today and Building officials continue to assess damaged homes.

U.I. has on-site assessors are repairing the town’s critical infrastructure. Crews are working along-side DPW, Fire and Police officials making wires safe and to restore power. Approximately 72% of all residents are still without power. All downed wires should be considered live and dangerous.

Please do not call 911 unless you have a life threatening emergency and please hold all calls for property damage until Thursday.

The Call Center will be open at 9:00 am tomorrow morning to answer questions at 203 254-4899.

Thank you and be safe."

Update, Oct. 30, 4:40 p.m.

Despite an earlier statement that there would be no power restoration in Fairfield Monday, United Illuminating crews have been able to bring power to some residents, lowering the powerless rate from 98 percent to 76 percent.

A UI representative present at Fairfield's Emergency Operation Center said the utility company's priority is to make downed wires safe. If restoration can be done easily while making wires safe, they will restore power to that area. If not, it waits until Wednesday.

First Selectman Michael Tetreau cautioned that, given it took nine days to restore all power to Fairfield after Tropical Storm Irene, that full restoration this time around would take at least a week.

As far as cleanup goes, public works personnel managed to clear the roads of all trees not involved with wires, Superintendent of Public Works Scott Bartlett said. There are 272 trees involved with downed wires that still have to be dealt with, he added.

Building Official James Gilleran confirmed that five homes on Fairfield Beach Road were lost. Two have floated into Long Island Sound, one is in the middle of Pine Creek, and the other two are in pieces in the creek, Gilleran said.

A parking ban on the south side of Old Post Road from the YMCA to Town Hall is likely to be put into effect tomorrow, according to officials. People parking their cars to check out the damage are causing traffic problems for emergency vehicles.

Emergency personnel will later release information on which streets in the beach area are closed off and which residents can return to. Decisions regarding Halloween, brush and tree pickup, school closures, and whether government buildings and libraries will open are expected to come later this evening.

Update, Oct. 30, 11:50 a.m. 

Restorations efforts in Fairfield will not begin until at least Wednesday, First Selectman Michael Tetreau announced at a press conference Tuesday.

According to United Illuminating, 98 percent of the town is currently without power.

Emergency and public works personnel are working to clear the roads so that restorations efforts can begin tomorrow, Tetreau said

"There is too much cleanup to begin restoration today," he added, and urged residents to stay home and keep the roads clear to allow access for emergency vehicles.

"We have to work together on this," Tetreau said. "The storm may be gone, but we have to deal with the aftermath."

That aftermath is still being assessed. Another high tide hits Fairfield around noon Tuesday, and after those waters recede, Tetreau and emergency personnel will begin to assess the damage on the shoreline.

From what they could tell by 11 a.m. Monday, about five homes on Fairfield Beach Road were destroyed. These homes are located on the north side of the road and fell into the creek, Tetreau said.

A number of other homes on Fairfield Beach Road are significantly damaged, according to the First Selectman.

There are downed power lines in the water in the beach area, Tetreau said.

"We will communicate when it's safe for [evacuated] residents to return to their homes," Police Chief Gary MacNamara said.

Flooding reached levels that have never been seen before in Fairfield in recent memory, Tetreau said. "We really appreciate" that residents listened when they were told to evacuate, he added.

While the town lost 600 trees during Tropical Storm Irene, the number of reported trees on houses during Hurricane Sandy was higher than during Irene, Fire Chief Richard Felner said.

As of around 10 p.m. Monday, there had been about a dozen reports of trees on houses, according to the fire chief.

Today, 160 roads are closed throughout town due to downed wires and trees, department spokesperson Sgt. Sue Lussier said.

There were about a dozen boat rescues made overnight from the mandatory evacuation area, he added.

The shelter at Fairfield Ludlowe High School is currently housing 214 people and about 40 pets, Deputy Fire Chief Art Reid said. Plans to keep the shelter open are going day-by-day.

Schools are closed through Wednesday and there will be a decision made Wednesday morning regarding whether schools will open Thursday, Superintendent Dr. David Title said.

School staff -- including custodians and food service personnel -- are helping with cleanup and shelter efforts, Title said.

Town Hall is closed until further notice, but town employees are manning the emergency line (203-254-4899), Tetreau said.

Fire and police personnel have set up two command centers in town -- one in the ShopRite plaza on Black Rock Turnpike and one at the old IGA Market on Stratfield and Fairfield Woods Road. Residents can get up-to-date information from officers stationed at the centers.

"The storm has passed but the hazards remain," MacNamara said. "Stay off the roads and in your house."

Update, Oct. 30, 9:35 a.m.

According to United Illuminating, 98 percent of Fairfield remains without power.

Looking for breakfast? The Duchess on Black Rock Turnpike is open.

First Selectman Michael Tetreau will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. at Police Headquarters to address damage.

In a release sent this morning, Tetreau said the town is still under a state of emergency and the mandatory evacuation of streets south of Old Post Road, Oldfield Road, and Westway Road remains in effect.

Residents are advised to stay home and off the roads to allow crews to clear roadways of trees and wires and first responders to address life-threatening emergencies. Utility response will focus on making safe with restoration efforts to follow. All downed wires should be considered live and floodwaters
may be contaminated; both should be avoided until rendered safe.

There are currently 189 people and 40 pets being sheltered at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The Emergency Call Center (203-254-4899) is staffed at this time.

 

Update, Oct. 30 5:35 a.m.

United Illuminating says 98 percent of Fairfield is without power.

According to emergency services dispatches, a structure at Commerce Drive and Kings Highway has collapsed. Fairfield Patch will have more details as they become available.

Update, 7:37 p.m.

Another update from First Selectman Michael Tetreau:

This is First Selectman Mike Tetreau with an urgent request from the Emergency Management Team.

We need your help.

First, we are again asking everyone in town to please stay off the roads and stay in your homes. At this point we have three different incidents where trees have fallen on people in cars. Please don’t put yourself at risk and importantly please don’t put emergency responders at risk.

Our next request is to ask all of our residents to not call 911, unless it is a life threatening emergency. We need to keep our phone lines and personnel available to help save lives in an actual emergency.

Please hold all non-emerge


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