Hurricane Sandy: No School Thursday for East Haven Students, Staff

UPDATE at 5:35 p.m.

East Haven Public Schools will be closed tomorrow for students, teachers and staff members.

As East Haven Patch reported earlier today, two of the town's elementary schools, Ferrara and Overbrook, were out of power as of this afternoon. And a third school, Deer Run, was only partially online.

There is no word yet on whether the school district will resume classes on Friday.

East Haven Patch will continue to provide updates on recovery information as it becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY

East Haven may have weathered the storm, but the next several days will still present the extended challenge of recovery and restoration.

East Haven Patch met with Assistant Fire Chief Chuck Licata and Frank Gentilesco, assistant director of administration & management for the mayor's office, at the town's Emergency Operations Center in the fire department's headquarters along Main Street.

Here is an overview of their briefing on the day's latest developments and updates.

School Still Uncertain for Thursday

Gentilesco said there were two schools as of early Wednesday afternoon that still had no power: Ferrara and Overbrook. And Deer Run had only partial service.

The decision of whether or not school would reopen for East Haven Public School students on Thursday would be made at some point later in the day today by Superintendent Anthony Serio.

All Roads Reopened

Licata said East Haven Public Services, along with utility companies, were out and about throughout town over the past 24 hours working on clearing debris and downed power lines to makes sure the town's streets were once again safe and passable.

Licata said while some roads may still have areas of debris that partially block a lane, none are unable to be accessed by residents and/or emergency vehicles.

"We can reach everybody in town," he said.

Power Restoration: No Clear Estimate Yet

With all roadways now reopened to traffic, Licata explained that United Illuminating's "Make It Safe" crews can now go in and de-energize lines in problem areas.

With the lines no longer live, this then allows the town's public works crews to go in and do the work they need to do to clear additional debris.

After that debris is removed from an area, he said, utility crews will return to repair and re-energize a line, restoring power to the customers it serves.

In his press conference Wednesday morning, Gov. Dannel Malloy said the state's utility companies are expected to have a general ball park figure as far as when restoration efforts would be completed tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, East Haven officials are asking residents to direct their calls regarding electricity issues to UI's customer service line at 1-800-722-5584.

Licata also encouraged residents to begin thinking about making contingency plans for an extended period without electricity in their homes.

"It still may be a few days before the power goes on," he said.

Town Shelter May Reopen Later This Week

With power still out to more than 54 percent of the town as of Wednesday afternoon, and colder evening low temperatures on its way later this week, town officials said they may have to reopen the town's emergency shelter at the East Haven High School.

The shelter — which served as a temporary refuge for those who were under the mandatory evacuation order, or who voluntarily left their homes — was open from Sunday until Tuesday.

But Licata said the town may look to reopen it to ensure people are sheltered from the overnight lows expected to move as the week goes on.

"We're expected some colder weather, so we'll have to rethink that," he said.

Other Information Updates

Town officials also had other updates as well:

• Non-potable water, which cannot be used for drinking or cooking, is now available at all fire stations; residents must bring their own containers.
• Dumpsters have been placed in storm damaged areas, including the shoreline
• Town landfill will reopen tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.. It will also be open Friday and Saturday, but will be closed Sunday. No permit will be needed to drop off items.
• Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr will be holding a meeting with the National Guard later today to determine if they are needed to continue their presence on the town's shoreline