Public Info Session, Rumors, Civic Participation, Beaches And More

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson with Irene update 8, as of 6pm Thursday. This is the latest information on several topics.

Public Information Session – We will hold a public information session on Friday at 5pm at Daniel Hand High School. This will include information on town initiatives. A CL&P representative will be in attendance. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Electric – Power has been restored to 23% of CL&P’s Madison customers, up from 13% yesterday. Businesses at the circle are back on, along with most of the downtown business area. There are at least 17 crews working in Madison with more coming. We have been applying maximum pressure to make things happen. That said, it could still take until next Wednesday before the last house is finally restored. You should make sure that you have notified CL&P that your house is without power.

Rumors – As usually happens, rumors are running rampant. One such making the rounds is that CL&P is not working in Madison unless we agree to pick up the cost. Total nonsense. Believe rumors at your own risk.

Power Safety Measure – If you are absent or asleep when the power comes on, you could be in trouble if your stove or some other appliance was turned on when you lost power. For safeties sake, you should turn off your main breaker until power is restored in your neighborhood.

Water – Fill up points are still open at Town Hall, Madison Hose fire house, the Tidewater Inn, and the North Madison fire house.

Food Stamps – If you are on Food Stamps and you have been without power for four days you are eligible for food replacement. You should contact your caseworker for further instructions.

Beaches – All beaches are closed until further notice because of major damage and hazardous conditions. Hammonasset Park is open this week end for free.

Transfer Station – The transfer station in Guilford is back open from 8 to 5 Friday and Saturday.

Showers – The YMCAs in both Branford and Westbrook are allowing Madison residents to shower for free. The town gym at town campus also has limited shower availability from 7:30am until 7:30pm.

Civic Help – Civic Participation Week is commencing now. If you are a member of a civic group and wish to volunteer to perform a group task, please call Pam McKinnon at 203-640-2629. That is 203-640-2629.

Thank you. Stay safe and good luck.