Hurricane Sandy: East Haven Info Center

The following is an overview of the latest updates from the East Haven Mayor's Office.

Since significant sections of these areas along the shoreline do not yet have their power restored, East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr has requested that the National Guard remain in the effected areas until this Saturday at 8 a.m.

Additionally, the curfew in the mandatory evacuation areas will remain in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.am. until further notice.

Schools Closed on Friday

East Haven Public Schools have once again been forced to cancel classes Friday due to continued power problems at two of the district's elementary schools.

Both Ferrara Elementary School and Deer Run Elementary School have been without electricity since Hurricane Sandy punished the town.

Although regular classes are cancelled for Friday, this Saturday's SAT exam at East Haven High School has not been cancelled and will still take place this Saturday at the high school as scheduled.

Power Restoration Efforts Begin

At the town's emergency operations center, United Illuminating reported to East Haven Patch that it began its main power restoration efforts for East Haven on Thursday.

In addition to restoration crews, UI also had a "Make It Safe" as well as a tree service crew, teamed up with members of the town's Department of Public Service staff on Thursday.

The workers are focused on de-energizing and clearing downed and other problem lines in town, which can then be repaired and re-energized and brought back online by restoration crews.

The utility company estimates it will have some 95 percent of its costumers back onlin by this Monday at midnight.

Additional Town Services

While the UI and the town continues to make progress with the opening of roads, restoration of power and the clean up from Hurricane Sandy, the Town will be providing residents with the following additional services during this difficult time

• Through the efforts of the East Haven Fire Department, the East Haven Food Pantry at 39 Park Place, has been provided temporary power and lighting and will now be able to reopen to provide food distribution at the following times: Friday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Since the food pantry depends on donations, residents are encouraged to bring either non-perishable food items or monetary donations during these times. East Haven Town Hall and the Hagaman Library will be accepting donations of checks, only if made out to "East Haven Food Pantry," and non-perishable food items. In addition, volunteers are also needed, contact Phyllis LaRoche at 203-469-1197

• The town has reopened the Emergency Shelter at East Haven High School. Town officials noted that the shelter will most likely remain open through the weekend as power restoration efforts continue. Residents are reminded to bring hygiene items, blankets, pillows and towels. Shower facilities are available and light snacks will be served. The shelter will again accept pets, which must be in a carrier. The facility will be operated by the East Haven Fire Department and will also have representatives from the Red Cross.

• Residents are able to bring phones and/or electronic equipment for charging to the Hagaman Memorial Library, town hall or any fire station. Non-potable water is also available at each fire station.

• The Mayor is permitting residents to use the East Haven Landfill WITHOUT the need for permits Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.; the landfill will be closed on Sunday.

Other Important Reminders

• East Haven Fire Department reminds residents to be careful using candles and generators. Complete safety information and other storm related information is available on the Fire Department website: www.easthavenfire.com.
• Town officials remind residents who remain without power that until they regain their electricity, they should shut off their home's main power breaker or all individual breakers, to prevent any problems (such as smoking wires or a possible fire) — particularly if the house was flooded during the storm — when the power is restored.