Malloy Visits Storm Sheltered Residents in Windsor

These are definitely tough times, but ones that truly show the community’s spirit and ability to band together and help those in need.

This was the message left by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy after made a quick trip to Windsor’s storm shelter Tuesday afternoon.

Malloy toured the facility, located in the town’s community center on Matianuck Avenue, to thank those volunteering in Windsor and throughout the state for providing services to those who have left their homes in search of warmth, electricity and a hot meal.

While residents gathered at the shelter were appreciative of the governor’s visit, what they really wanted to know was when the power would be restored.

Unfortunately, Malloy wasn’t able to offer much.

“I know it’s difficult… We’re doing everything we can to get people back in their homes as quickly as we can,” he said.

Making note of residents’ urgency to return to the comforts of home, Malloy said the governor’s office and Connecticut Light and Power should have a better idea by late Tuesday afternoon of when power will be restored to Connecticut towns.

“I think there’s a lot of frustration, but we are providing services and doing the best we can. And this is a beautiful reminder of how beautiful the people of Connecticut are,” he said. “(They are) sitting (in shelters), where they’d rather not be sitting, but understanding that people have jobs to do… I have to tell you it’s a bit uplifting.”

As for Connecticut residents who continue to be stuck in the cold and without power, Malloy suggested, “Get warm, charge your batteries, and thank God the sun’s out today. I think it makes it a little bit better. But these are very trying and difficult times. That’s a reality. That’s why we’re so proud of the communities that are stepping up (and providing services),” he said.

Windsor residents, many of whom have been at the shelter since Sunday, said they are thankful for the services provided by the town and its volunteers.

Windsor resident Willie Mae Martin said, “They’re doing a great job here. They’ve been very accommodating and well organized.”

The shelter in Windsor served over 650 meals Tuesday as of 1 p.m., and residents continue to pour into the facility, like many across the state, as they tire from weathering the cold nights.

Malloy was joined in Windsor by Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, and State Reps David Baram, D-Windsor, Bloomfield, and Elaine O’Brien, D-Suffield, East Granby and Windsor.

Full restoration estimates, according to CL&P, will be available on Wednesday. The outage map was down at 4:28 p.m. on Tuesday.

Once the governor’s office and CL&P complete damage assessments and make safe and clear operations, they will be able to learn the state of transmission lines “so we can start repairing substations and power lines from there,” said Malloy.

Towns like Windsor, which has a substation located in town, are hoping that power will be restored soon. Moments after the governor left the shelter, a small CL&P pick-up truck was spotted driving slowly down Matianuck Avenue assessing damage done by down power lines at a private residence.