After Tropical Storm Isaias moved through the Town of Greenwich, Public Works, and Public Safety Departments are working tirelessly to open the roadways and make them safe. Contracted electrical power crews from outside our region continue to work in Greenwich, partnering with Greenwich Tree Department crews to clear down trees from the power lines.
The objective of the work performed last night, and this morning is to clear tree and debris from power lines to ensure the roadways are safe and lead to the restoration of power.
The damage to the power lines is extensive. The work performed is complicated due to energized wires tangled in the debris.
There are still roads blocked by wires and trees. The goal today is to get them cleared and opened.
Tropical Storm Isaias Response Information
134 roads blocked after the storm.
100 roadways re-opened.
508- 911 calls came in during the day Tuesday
907- Non-Emergency calls during the day
For perspective, in July 2020, the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex answered a total of 1,875 911 calls. The volume of calls answered in the few hours of the storm represented 25% of all the 911 calls in July.
Of the 911 calls answered, 70% were answered within 10 seconds, with the remaining answered within 40 seconds despite overwhelming call volume.
All major roadway arteries have been open, except the 600 block of Riversville Rd.
The Fire Department has been responding to numerous carbon monoxide alarms, many caused by portable generators. The Greenwich Fire Department would like to remind residents many wires are hidden under branches and other debris. All wires need to be treated as live. Keep away from any wire on the ground. Electrocution can occur with a downed power line, or with the earth near a downed power line. Carbon monoxide - If the concentration of carbon monoxide is above 35 ppm, it can be toxic. Early symptoms are Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, and Fatigue. Most causes during outages are from portable generators. Place generators outside 20’ from any structure. Shut windows that are on that side of the home. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911. Keep watch on any burning candles or other open flame sources used for lighting.
The Police Department has added extra officers to the shifts to help in the recovery response. The standard operating level of officers has remained the same and will answer all calls for service without an issue. The added officers are assigned to the utility and public works crews to provide a safe work zone to open the road and restore power.
The Parks and Recreation Department has prepared an informational flyer regarding park access and cancellation. To access the flyer, visit https://www.greenwichct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16896/PnR-Facility---Program-Closings-and-Cancellations-8-5-20
Please check on your elder relatives and neighbors to be sure they are doing well during this outage.
The John Margenot Atrium, located within the Town of Greenwich Public Safety Complex at 11 Bruce Place, has been designated a cooling and charging station. Open 24 hours. Please wear a mask and maintain proper social distancing if you come to use the facility, The Police Department Citizen and Police Partnership Room has been designated as an overflow room.
Contact Eversource.com for outages and outage information.
Contact 203-622-8004 to report trees and wires down and if roadways are blocked.
911 is for emergencies.
Please be safe. The town crews and utility contractors are throughout the Town cleaning up. The return to normalcy will take some time, and as a Town, we need to be prepared for the long haul.
The next update will be on August 6th at 7:00 p.m.