UPDATE: Greenwich Police Tropical Storm Isaias Recovery Update

Update, 3:00pm: In their second storm recovery update on Thursday, Greenwich Police said as of about noon All major roadway arteries have been open, except the 600 block of Riversville Rd.    

The Fire Dept has been responding to numerous carbon monoxide alarms, many caused by portable generators. The Fire Dept reminds 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

Original story, 11:00am: Greenwich Police reported Thursday that six crews were working to remove trees from overhead wires so power could be restored.

As of 11:00am, 31.84% of Greenwich Eversource customers remained without power.

Lt Zuccerella said the main priority is making roadways safe from down wires and to open roads. He said there are still blocked roadways, and crews are working hard to clear them immediately.

“We still ask that residents do not touch or go near any wires on the roadway or that are low hanging,” he warned. “Power lines can still be energized.”

Greenwich Fire Dept received numerous calls for Carbon Monoxide alarms.

Zuccerella said anyone with a portable generator is advised to keep it away from their house. “Do not turn on cars in the garage to charge phones or devices,” he warned, adding that the Public Safety Complex is available to use as a charging station.

Lt Zuccerella said at the height of Tropical Storm Isaias there were six dispatchers working to field calls, enter them, work the radio and gather storm data, and that 508 9-1-1 calls came in during the day Tuesday and 907 non-emergency calls.

For perspective, he said, in the month of July police answered a total of 1,875 9-1-1 calls.

He said Tuesday’s volume represented 25% of a typical month’s 9-1-1 calls in one day. In August police answered 9,015 regular administration lines.

Of the 9-1-1 calls answered, 70% were answered within 10 seconds, with the remaining answered within 40 seconds despite overwhelming call volume. 

See also:

Power Crews Continue Effort to Reopen Roadways, Restore Power

Governor Lamont Declares CT State of Emergency; Power May Take 3-5 Days to Restore

First Selectman Declares Local Emergency as Tropical Storm Isaias Beats Up Greenwich

PHOTOS: Town of Greenwich Opens Emergency Operations Center; Shelter in Place Recommended