Town of Fairfield News
8/7/2020 - STORM UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,
I want to provide you an update, some reflections in the aftermath of the storm, the overall response from UI and how we can make changes I'm going to recommend for the future.
STORM UPDATE:
United Illuminating (UI)
On my daily call this morning with the Emergency Management Team, UI reported 394 residents are still without power, or 1.63%, down from 67% on Tuesday. Of those, 82 are single customer outages and 30 are 2-10 clusters. Substantial completion is projected for midnight tonight. I emphasized in the strongest terms my concern for the rising temperatures and the need to restore power to residents as soon as possible. I don't have target areas that they will be working on today but I do know we have crews all over Fairfield who are working with our DPW crews.
For the 82 single outages, this means each one of those customers' direct power line to their home was damaged. In these instances, there is a protocol which requires the homeowner to have an electrician reattach the wire and work directly with UI to re-energize. You may be able to determine if you are a single, by 1) if you are the only one in your neighborhood still without power, or 2) if you have a wire directly pulled from your home or a pole directly in front of your house. If either of these situations exist, UI recommends you reach out to certified electrician to check on your particular situation. UI also shared that certified electricians know what the process is for working with UI on single event outages. The Fairfield Firefighters will be out visiting single outages today to provide information and answer questions you may have.
If you think your home may be a single outage based on what I described above, and click this helpful info-graphic for more information.
Internet/Cable - Altice, Frontier
We are aware that many of our residents who have power are still disconnected from cable or internet. I know this is very frustrating. I have been in communication with representatives from both Altice and Frontier. I know their customer service has been less than satisfactory.
To report an outage to Altice directly or learn of updates you can:
1. Go to optimum.net/chat and click "Message Us"
2. Choose "Technical Issues" on the main menu.
3. Next choose "All Services" and provide your name and phone number; you will be connected to an agent
Click here!
To report to Frontier directly:
1. Go to frontier.com/contact us
2. Choose "chat live" or "schedule a call"
Click here!
STORM RESPONSE
I certainly have been very vocal in my disappointment in UI's response to this storm. I am grateful for the men and women on the ground who are working in our town, but there needs to be significant policy changes made for future storms. We are approaching one week since the storm and nearly 400 of our residents are still without power. The Governor has asked for an investigation into the response and I look forward to those results.
I have expressed in the strongest possible terms to our representatives at UI how unhappy I have been with their customer service and text messaging to customers. Their communication with their customers, our residents, has been disappointing and not helpful. I shared with the UI representatives how critically important it is to communicate effectively during an emergency. I will continue to do my best to share information with residents because I understand the value of transparent communication.
LOOKING AHEAD
Some of you may know we have a very active citizenry in town who advocate on behalf of the beautiful trees that line many streets in Fairfield, and for good reason. The Fairfield Forestry Committee takes great pride in the beauty of our town and as a result have clashed with UI's tree trimming procedures that doesn't always consider the visual outcome of such trimming. For several years the vegetation management program came to a standstill in town. Back in February I brought all stakeholders together to have a serious discussion about what we can do to preserve trees while also focus on safety and protecting critically important power lines. UI had been actively working to prune trees with our tree warden that were touching power lines before Storm Isiaias hit.
The targeted risk management pruning will resume working with our tree warden the first week of September to prune all the limbs in contact with utility wires. In January, UI is projected to begin their Utility Protection Zone Pruning (UPZ Program). I look forward to working with UI and our Tree Warden with this program. The safety of our residents will always be my top priority and that includes doing our best to preventing future long term power outages.
I wanted to share that the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above normal hurricane season. I strongly suggest that residents have a plan in place for future outages from hurricane weather. I myself will be developing a plan for my own home which was without power for a long period of time during this storm. I would also suggest to residents to have on hand any COVID-related materials in your emergency kits such as hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and masks.
I look forward to seeing the results from the Governor's investigation into the utility companies. I will work with our Emergency Management Team and our State Delegation to share with the utility regulators all the information we learned while weathering this storm.
For true emergencies, please dial 911. To reach UI, dial 1-800-722-5584 or visit ui.net. For storm information please visit www.fairfieldct.org/storm.
Provided below are helpful resources and town updates. I hope my communications provided some level of comfort to residents over what has been a very difficult week and weekend for our community. |
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Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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Below are storm resources for residents:
- Cooling centers: the gymnasium at the Senior center is available for residents 9 am to 4:30 p.m., in addition to the lobby of the Fairfield Police Department.
- If you haven't yet signed up for UI text alerts, you can register with UI here. According to our UI representative, the current outage map is not reflecting all outages, but she assured me that UI keeps track of all outage reports from residents.
- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to remove trees and branches in the roads as quickly as they can. Please note DPW cannot haul private trees from resident's curbs. DPW also cannot clear trees that are attached to wires or near any downed power lines until the UI Make Safe Crew has inspected and deemed the area safe.
- We Care Denali is open to residents and contractors to drop off debris and trees.
- Please stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power lines because you should always assume it is live.
- Portable back-up generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) which is a poison gas. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Our Firemen have responded to numerous calls for CO poisoning.
- Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
- In the aftermath of a major storm, being neighborly takes on a new meaning and sense of urgency. Please take the time to check on your elderly neighbors, or neighbors who may be in need. If you haven’t seen a neighbor out and about, it only takes a minute to knock on the door for friendly check-in. As always, call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency. Social Services is available to help with meals and groceries, getting medications as needed - 203-256-3170.
- Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road), at all five Fire Stations, and the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities (100 Mona Terrace). Please remember your face coverings.
- The Parks & Recreation building is available for residents without power to use the shower facilities. Call for an appointment at 203.256.3191. The showers will be cleaned after each use per COVID guidelines. Charging is also available. The hours will be 5:30 am - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 7 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- There is a mobile command post located in the Old Navy Parking Lot at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike. This will be staffed from 7 AM until 11PM. WIFI, cell phone charging and water will be available.
- Free public Wi-Fi areas exist throughout town in populated areas. If you know your user name and password, you can gain access in those networks. Find hotspots here: https://www.optimum.net/internet/hotspots/.
- Public Wi-Fi is available at Fairfield Middle and High School Parking Lots: Network name: FPS_Guest | Password: Guest0413
- Call Number for Important needs that are not an emergency- Please advise citizens to call 203-254-4700 or 203-254-4800 if they have important unmet need that do not rise to the level of a 911 call but they are in the need of urgent assistance.
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OTHER IMPORTANT TOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS:
End of Beach Season Schedule:
- Sasco, Southport, and South Pine Creek Beaches –There will be no lifeguards on duty as of today, August 10th.
Jennings and Penfield Beaches and Lake Mohegan – Will be staffed with lifeguards through August 30th. Whereas lifeguards will not be staffed at these beaches August 31st through September 4th, they will be staffed Labor Day weekend, September 5th through 7th.
Beaches may have reduced swim areas. Please be sure to obey the lifeguards and to swim in permitted areas only.
Primary:
- Tomorrow, August 11 is the Presidential Preference Primary for registered voters in the Republican and Democrat parties. All polling places have safety procedures in place for COVID including social distancing, plexiglas, cleaning procedures and face coverings will be required. All polling locations are confirmed to have power.
-Need to check if your ballot got to us, if you're in a party, or to find your polling place? Use the look-up web-page here: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
-All voters in district 9 should have received notice from the Registrars that Sherman Elementary will be closed for summer construction. Bigelow Center for Senior Activities at 100 Mona Terrace will be your voting location tomorrow.
- Voted absentee ballots may be returned in the locked drop box located in front of Old Town Hall (611 Old Post Road) until 8 PM Tuesday, August 11, 2020. |
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EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
The Town of Fairfield will no longer be utilizing the current alert system known as CodeRed to issue emergency and community alerts to residents and business owners. We are switching to a new system.
In order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up again. Visit www.fairfieldct.org/alerts |
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BIGELOW CENTER
The Bigelow Center and Fairfield Social Services are here to help in the aftermath of the hurricane. Remember, you are safe at home, not stuck at home. Please follow the guidelines from the Health Department about food safety and what to do if you are without power.
If you need emergency groceries, Operation Hope is continuing its Food Pantry. The hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 – 12:00 PM and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If you cannot get to Operation Hope, please call Fairfield Social Services (203-256-3170) or the Bigelow Center (203-256-3166) to arrange for emergency, shelf-ready groceries from the Food Pantry to be delivered by a Senior Center bus. We are in this together. |
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Watch the First Selectwoman's Video Update Here 8/10/20
Sunday 8/9 Post Storm Update:
I had a conference call with the Emergency Management Team and UI this morning and went a visit the Galloping Hill and Rock Ridge area that experienced what may have been a micro burst. The area sustained terrible damage. I’m grateful that no one in Fairfield lost their life.
As of 10am there were 1737 customers still without power and 263 events. Of the 1,737 outages, 174 are single outage customers, 45 of those customers are in 2-10 outage range.
UI is still prioritizing outages that will provide power to the most customers first, unfortunately that means, residents in clusters of 1-11 are taking the longest to re-energize
Top 5 outage areas UI is working on today:
*Melville Ave and surrounding areas- 163 customers
*Bronson Road and surrounding areas - 70 customers
*Black Rock Turnpike around 3000 block area - 60 customers
*Redding Road and surrounding areas- 90 customers
*Congress Street and surrounding areas - 50 customers
UI will also be working throughout the town to restore smaller outage areas many of those are areas shared with me by email, phone and on my First Selectwoman Facebook page.
UI is projecting a large amount of customers will be re-energized today.
I was told there are over 1100 UI employees and contractors working across the UI service region today.
UI is aware of all outages even if it’s not accurately reflected on the map.
I want to reassure residents that I’m working to share the information you have been sending me with UI and will continue to be in contact with them throughout the day.
I know many residents are at their limit and I want you to know I understand and I hear you!
I’m doing everything in my power as First Selectwoman to provide support from our town and work with UI to get everyone back on line.
I want to remind residents who may be in the single household outage category of the process to get your power restored I shared in my newsletter yesterday.
*If you think your home may be a single outage based on what I described above, and click this helpful info-graphic for more information.
For additional information and safety tips please click on Saturday’s newsletter.
https://fairfieldct.org/news/?FeedID=3720
If you have any questions please email me at BKupchick@Fairfieldct.org
Hang in there Fairfield!
Brenda Kupchick
Dear Fairfielders,
I met again this morning with the Emergency Management Team and representatives from UI to receive an update. Yesterday, Fairfield had 8,700 residents without power, this morning we have 5,351 still without power.
In yesterday’s update, I included information about the Hawthorn Substation located behind Sacred Heart. Once repaired, this substation will power up a large amount of residents. UI is still working there and is reporting the damage was worse than they initially thought. The entire system needed to be reworked and UI brought in mutual aide crews for assistance. UI is estimating this substation, that has three large circuits, will be completed by midnight tonight.
The UI representatives reported they have crews all throughout town restoring power, while also concentrating more crews in the following areas that serve a larger number of households. These areas include:
- Black Rock Turnpike area that services over 1,000 customers
- Round Hill, upper and lower Mill Plain, Sturges Road & Meadowbrook areas - 400 customers
- Redding Road, Merwins Lane, Burr Street (part of the Hawthorn Substation) is estimated to power up 400 today, and 300 by tonight
- Southport & Mill Hill areas that serves 390 customers
UI shared during this morning’s meeting that most of the work they’re doing is primarily rebuilding due to the severity of the damage from the storm, which takes longer than repairing.
They also shared with me and the team that Fairfield had more "events" than any other town in this area. An event refers to an outage that could affect 1 home or 1,000 homes, but 70% of the homes that are without power are in clusters of 1-11 homes, which also takes longer for restoration.
According to UI's categories there are approximately 500 homes that are in clusters between 1 and 11 homes,which they categorize as smaller outage areas. Of those 500, UI is reporting 180 customers that represent a single outage. This means each one of those customers' direct power line to their home was damaged. In these instances, there is a protocol which requires the homeowner to have an electrician reattach the wire and work directly with UI to re-energize.
Many of you wrote me overnight asking if you are part of the list of 500. I asked UI and they are not able to aggregate that information for me to share with residents. However, you may be able to determine if you are a single, by 1) if you are the only one in your neighborhood still without power, or 2) if you have a wire directly pulled from your home or a pole directly in front of your house. If either of these situations exist, UI recommends you reach out to certified electrician to check on your particular situation. UI also shared that certified electricians know what the process is for working with UI on single event outages.
If you think your home may be a single outage based on what I described above, and click this helpful info-graphic for more information.
UI shared they are prioritizing outages that will provide power to the most customers first, unfortunately that means, residents in clusters of 1-11 are going to take the longest to re-energize.
UI also reported during the meeting this morning that some frustrated residents have been aggressive with UI workers which is further slowing down their ability to repair and restore power. While I understand the frustration, I too am still without power, I hope our community will allow the UI and DPW workers to do their work uninterrupted so we can all get back online soon. |
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Below are some important updates:
- If you need non emergency assistance over the weekend, please dial 203-254-4800.
- If you haven't yet signed up for UI text alerts, you can register with UI here. According to our UI representative, the current outage map is not reflecting all outages, but she assured me that UI keeps track of all outage reports from residents.
- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to remove trees and branches in the roads as quickly as they can. Please note DPW cannot haul private trees from resident's curbs. DPW also cannot clear trees that are attached to wires or near any downed power lines until the UI Make Safe Crew has inspected and deemed the area safe.
- We Care Denali will be open to residents 7-12 p.m. on Saturday.
- The Town recommends residents only hire licensed contractors for repair work. Please make sure they have obtained a permit if required.
- Please stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power lines because you should always assume it is live.
- Portable back-up generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) which is a poison gas. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Our Firemen have responded to numerous calls for CO poisoning.
- Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
- In the aftermath of a major storm, being neighborly takes on a new meaning and sense of urgency. Please take the time to check on your elderly neighbors, or neighbors who may be in need. If you haven’t seen a neighbor out and about, it only takes a minute to knock on the door for friendly check-in. As always, call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency. Social Services is available to help with meals and groceries, getting medications as needed - 203-256-3170.
- Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road), at all five Fire Stations, and the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities (100 Mona Terrace). Please remember your face coverings.
- The Parks & Recreation building is available for residents without power to use the shower facilities. Call for an appointment at 203.256.3191. The showers will be cleaned after each use per COVID guidelines. Charging is also available. Hours will be 5:30 am - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 7 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- There is a mobile command post located in the Old Navy Parking Lot at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike. This will be staffed from 7 AM until 11PM. WIFI, cell phone charging and water will be available.
- Free public Wi-Fi areas exist throughout town in populated areas. If you know your user name and password, you can gain access in those networks. Find hotspots here: https://www.optimum.net/internet/hotspots/.
- Public Wi-Fi is available at Fairfield Middle and High School Parking Lots: Network name: FPS_Guest | Password: Guest0413
For true emergencies, please dial 911. To reach UI, dial 1-800-722-5584 or visit ui.net. For storm information please visit www.fairfieldct.org/storm.
I know that it's frustrating to be without power for this long, especially after everything else we have been through during the pandemic. Please know that I am doing everything in my power to get our town back up and running safely.
I will continue to meet with the Emergency Management Team tonight and tomorrow. We will be in constant contact with our liaison with UI. Hang in there Fairfield |
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Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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Dear Fairfielders,
It has been a difficult week for our community that left many of us without electricity, access to internet or cable, including myself. I know you are frustrated with the response from UI; I am too. One of the things that has added to my frustration is that during previous storms, UI was able to provide a daily list of streets or target areas they would be working on to give residents an idea of when their power would be back on.
I've had numerous command staff meetings with our Emergency Management Team that included working with the UI representative assigned to our town. Those meetings resulted in increased UI presence in our community. This morning, I had another conference call with our liaison at UI and pressed for more crews. I'm happy to report that an additional 10 crews were dispatched to the Hawthorne Substation where the National Guard is also assisting. UI conveyed to me that this effort will restore power to roughly 3,300 customers. UI also shared with me they dispatched crews this morning to the following areas:
- 3210 Black Rock, 3590 Black Rock, and 3890 Black Rock which includes 825 customers
- 226 Commerce Drive which includes 754 customers
- Crestwood Road which includes 600 customers
- 925 Unquowa includes 479 customers
According to UI, the vast majority of our residents will have power restored by Saturday night, but based on what I'm hearing from UI, and the extent of the damage that's in our town, I personally believe we won't have complete restoration until Sunday. UI's restoration projection does not include approximately 500 homes that are located in smaller outage areas that UI said would be worked on Sunday through Tuesday.
UI is reporting it has 143 customers that represent a single outage. This means each one of those customers' direct power line to their home was damaged. In these instances, there is a protocol which requires the homeowner to have an electrician reattach the wire and work directly with UI to re-energize. I'm being told that licensed electricians are aware of these protocols in these cases. If you think your home may be impacted in this way, click this helpful info-graphic link.
As of today, 35% of homes in Fairfield are still without power, down from 67% at the conclusion of the storm. Fairfield experienced an overwhelming amount of damage and there are currently 20 roads in Fairfield which are known to be fully blocked. This is down from over 90 yesterday morning and a peak of over 100 during the height of the storm. We have 239 partially blocked roads. Currently, all blocked roadways involve wires, requiring UI to address them before DPW can clear the roadway.
I've been out with our DPW crews to assess the damage, and I was amazed by how widespread and severe this storm hit our town, with literally hundreds of trees uprooted. |
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This is my first storm as First Selectwoman and I am thoroughly impressed with our Fire, Police and Public Works Departments, which have been and will continue to work around the clock to keep our residents safe. I also want to thank the Social Services Department that is delivering meals to home bound seniors and our health department which has delivered ice packs to those with medication needs.
The calls for service for our Fire Department have increased  significantly. While out with our Tree Warden, I got a call that our Fire Department was responding to a house fire. I stopped by to offer my support to the family and the fire department. This incident is a good reminder to check that all appliances, especially cooking appliances, are off during the power outage. As with this fire, the power was restored while the family wasn't home, and items on the stove caught fire.
Below are some important updates:
- If you haven't yet signed up for UI text alerts, you can register with UI here. According to our UI representative, the current outage map is not reflecting all outages, but she assured me that UI keeps track of all outage reports from residents.
- The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to remove trees and branches in the roads as quickly as they can. Please note DPW cannot haul private trees from resident's curbs. DPW also cannot clear trees that are attached to wires or near any downed power lines until the UI Make Safe Crew has inspected and deemed the area safe.
- We Care Denali will be open to residents 7-12 p.m. on Saturday.
- The Town recommends residents only hire licensed contractors for repair work. Please make sure they have obtained a permit if required.
- Please stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power lines because you should always assume it is live.
- Many traffic lights throughout town are without power. Because of the extent of the damage caused by the storm, we have deployed all of our temporary traffic signs. We have secured 8 more and more on order to be better prepared in the future. Please remain extra cautious and treat any traffic lights that are out at an intersection as you would at a stop sign.
- Portable back-up generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) which is a poison gas. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Our Firemen have responded to numerous calls for CO poisoning.
- Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
- In the aftermath of a major storm, being neighborly takes on a new meaning and sense of urgency. Please take the time to check on your elderly neighbors, or neighbors who may be in need. If you haven’t seen a neighbor out and about, it only takes a minute to knock on the door for friendly check-in. As always, call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency. Social Services is available to help with meals and groceries, getting medications as needed - 203-256-3170.
- Need to charge up? Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road), at all five Fire Stations, the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities (100 Mona Terrace) and the Black Rock Congregational Church (3865 Black Rock Turnpike). Please remember your face coverings.
- The Parks & Recreation building is available for residents without power to use the shower facilities. Call for an appointment at 203.256.3191. The showers will be cleaned after each use per COVID guidelines. Charging is also available. Hours will be 5:30 am - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 7 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- There is a mobile command post located in the Old Navy Parking Lot at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike. This will be staffed from 7 AM until 11PM. WIFI, cell phone charging and water will be available.
- Free public Wi-Fi areas exist throughout town in populated areas. If you know your user name and password, you can gain access in those networks. Find hotspots here: https://www.optimum.net/internet/hotspots/. The town is working on identifying town buildings that residents can access the Wi-Fi from outside public buildings, specifically some of the schools.
- Right now, Public Wi-Fi is available at Fairfield Middle and High School Parking Lots: Network name: FPS_Guest | Password: Guest0413
For true emergencies, please dial 911. To reach UI, dial 1-800-722-5584 or visit ui.net. For storm information please visit www.fairfieldct.org/storm.
Please refer back to the earlier part of this email where I shared the areas UI is concentrating on to restore power to larger outage areas. If you live in those immediate areas, it's a good chance your power will be restored. However, there are going to be instances where there is damage beyond, that may need additional work. I want to reiterate that UI doesn't expect the majority of our residents to have power back until midnight on Saturday, and unfortunately there will be some residents who won't receive their power back as late as Tuesday.
I know that it's frustrating to be without power for this long, especially after everything else we have been through during the pandemic. Please know that I am doing everything in my power to get our town back up and running safely. I sincerely ask for patience as our DPW crews continue to clean up the widespread damage while they work directly with UI to get everyone's restored.
I will continue to meet with the Emergency Management Team tonight and throughout the weekend. We will be in constant contact with our liaison with UI. Please be careful and stay safe. |
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Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
The Town of Fairfield will no longer be utilizing the current alert system known as CodeRed to issue emergency and community alerts to residents and business owners. We are switching to a new system.
In order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up again. Visit www.fairfieldct.org/alerts |
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BIGELOW CENTER
The Bigelow Center and Fairfield Social Services are here to help in the aftermath of the hurricane. Remember, you are safe at home, not stuck at home. Please follow the guidelines from the Health Department about food safety and what to do if you are without power.
If you need emergency groceries, Operation Hope is continuing its Food Pantry. The hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 – 12:00 PM and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If you cannot get to Operation Hope, please call Fairfield Social Services (203-256-3170) or the Bigelow Center (203-256-3166) to arrange for emergency, shelf-ready groceries from the Food Pantry to be delivered by a Senior Center bus. We are in this together. |
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View the latest video update from the First Selectwoman here (August 7)
- The Park & Recreation building is available for residents without power to use the shower facilities by appointment. Dial 203.256.3191. The showers will be cleaned after each use per COVID guidelines. Charging is also available. The hours will be 5:30 am - 9:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 7 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Charging is also available at all five Firehouses in addition to the lobby of the Police Department and the Senior Center.
- Black Rock Congregational Church and Independence Sullivan Hall will have charging stations from today, Friday, until 4 p.m.
- At this time, Public WiFi is available at Fairfield Middle and High School Parking Lots:
Network Name: FPS_Guest
Password: Guest0413
- For those of your neighbors without power who can't access internet, they can call 203.254.4899 for the latest update.
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Dear Fairfielders,
Tropical Storm Isaias wreaked havoc on our town and our region yesterday. Moments ago, Governor Lamont declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread power outages.
While there was not significant rainfall or flooding, the sustained winds caused a great deal of damage to trees, power lines, and many residents' homes. Our DPW, Fire, and Police worked through the night to clear blocked roads and provide safe passage. We had over 575 storm related incidents reported. Although the link is currently down, you can check back later to view the live UI outage map here.
Last night Fairfield had over 63% of residents without power and today we are at 50%. This morning our Emergency Management Team and I held a command meeting at the Fairfield Police Station to update one another and to plan for the coming days ahead. During the meeting we spoke to the Town's representative to UI on a conference call to discuss their plans for restoration for our community. Unfortunately, due to the widespread damage, many residents may be without power for a few days. I will continue to stay in close contact and put pressure on UI to work quickly, and I will continue to provide updates to the community as I receivethem.
Today at noon I provided a storm update with our Emergency Management Director Denis McCarthy and Captain Robert Kalamaras of the Fairfield PD. You can watch here.
Below are some important updates to note:
- The transfer station is without power and is therefore closed to haulers and residents. Brush and storm debris can be brought to We Care Denali for drop off. Click here for more information.
- The Department of Public Words (DPW) will continue to removetrees and branches in the roads as quickly as they can. Please note they cannothaul private trees from resident's curbs. Residents have reached out that they don't think DPW is clearing the trees fast enough. The storm happened less than 24 hours ago, and DPW cannot clear trees that are attached to wires or near any downed wires until UI has inspected and deemed it safe.
- Our DPW workers have shared concerns with me that some residents have approached them too closely without a face covering. Please be mindful that we are still under CDC guidelines so we can assure the safety of our town employees and residents.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from any downed wire and assume it is live.
- Many trafficlights are without power so please remain extra cautious when approaching intersections or traffic lights that are out.
- Currently Lake Mohegan and Jennings Beach are CLOSED due to storm damage. We will do everything we can to get them reopened soon.
- Portable back-up generators produce the poison gas carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill.
- Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods are at risk during extended power outages. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Residents in need of groceries or meal deliveries, please call social services at 203.256.3170.
- Need to charge up?
- Charging stations are located in the Lobby of Police Headquarters (100 Reef Road) and the Fairfield Senior Center (100 Mona Terrace), at Black Rock Congregational Church (3685 Black Rock Tpk) and at all 5 Firehouses
- Station 1 140 Reef Rd. (Downtown)
Station 2 600 Jennings Rd. (Black Rock TpK)
Station 3 400 Jackman Ave (Stratfield)
Station 4 69 Main St. (Southport Village)
Station 5 3965 Congress St. (Greenfield Hill)
- . Please remember your face coverings.
For true emergencies, please dial 911.To reach UI, dial 1-800-722-5584 or visit
https://www.uinet.com/wps/portal/uinet/myaccount/outages/reportorstatus
I know that it's frustrating to be without power especially after everything we have gone through during the pandemic. I ask you to please be patient as the town works to clean up the widespread damage from storm. I will continue to stay in contact with UI and I will be meeting again with the Emergency Management Team this afternoon, and will provide updates as I receive them. Please be careful and stay safe.
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Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman
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