Politics & Government

Update from Town of Avon for Sunday, Nov. 6

School will resume Tuesday if power is restored to school buildings.

The following information is from the Town of Avon, updated as of 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2011

General: On Tuesday, the Town of Avon declared a State of Local Disaster Emergency. Safety is our paramount concern and opening roadways for public safety vehicles remains our top priority. Power lines and trees remain down throughout the Town.  Downed lines may be energized and residents are advised to stay clear of them. Residents are strongly urged to exercise the utmost caution around downed and sagging power lines.

Roadways: National Guardsmen are assisting CL&P and Public Works to open the roadways listed below to emergency vehicles.   If you are aware of a road that appears to be inaccessible to a vehicle the size of a fire truck and is not listed below, please call Police Dispatch at 860-409-4200.  Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to open these roads to emergency vehicles.  
Roads requiring CL&P line crews to make accessible to emergency vehicles:

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  • Bayberry Hill Road
  • Hurdle Fence
  • Jackson Street
  • Pine Hill Road
  • Red Mountain Lane
  • Wright Drive

Starting yesterday, Public Works began to divert limited crews to start clearing trees from major roadways that do not impede emergency vehicles, but do impede general vehicular travel.  This process will take time.  Please be patient as this process progresses.

Storm Debris:  The Town recognizes the importance of storm debris management and removal. The cost of the clean up may be partially reimbursable by FEMA subject to the necessary congressional approval.~ We estimate that the clean up will entail the removal and disposal of approximately 100,000 cubic yards of debris. The cost could extend into the millions of dollars. FEMA has specific procurement requirements that must be followed or the Town could lose out on federal funding to off set the cost. The Town has issued a request for bids for debris management. The Town Council and Board of Finance will meet on Wednesday to review the responses and consider next steps. In the meantime, residents may continue to place storm debris curbside. More information will be shared regarding debris removal as soon as it becomes available.
We have been advised that Dunning Sand and Gravel, located at 105 Brickyard Road in Farmington, is accepting chipped and delivered storm debris free of charge at their facility.  Their phone number is 860.677.1616.

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Power Restoration: CL&P is now reporting that power will be restored to 96% of Avon customers by midnight on Sunday, November 6th.  The Town is hopeful that this turns out to be true.  We are being told that there are 40 CL&P crews in Avon today (up from 12 on Friday).  Based on information this morning from CL&P, it appears that power has been restored to 55% of Avon customers.  An Engineering Department map was posted to the Town’s website yesterday that depicts areas in Town where power has reportedly been restored.  We hope to update that map early this afternoon, once additional information has been provided to us by CL&P.

CL&P is reporting that the Unionville Substation and major circuits serving Avon have been repaired, which means that the effort today will focus on restoring individual neighborhoods. Please note that power may come on and go off again in particular areas as service is being restored Town wide.  If you have not already reported power outage at your residence, you should do so by calling CL&P at 1-800-286-2000.  This number can also give you information specific to your residence.

In anticipation of power restoration, residents are encouraged to (1) unplug all appliances and electronic equipment that were on before the power went out to avoid a power surge, (2) clear all stove tops in case a burner was accidentally left on, and (3) if basement flooding occurred, call a licensed technician to check the motors on furnaces, freezers or other appliances before attempting to run them.

If telecommunication wires belonging to other service providers, such as AT&T or Comcast, were damaged in the storm, you will need to contact those providers directly before telecommunication services can be restored.  Damage to these wires will not impact power restoration.

CL&P Scam Alert:  The Town has been informed that CL&P has hired electricians to repair electrical service on homes at no cost, including the weather head, conduit, and meters.  This is a change from previous guidance.  We have received reports that individuals are approaching homes and falsely claiming to work for CL&P.  No contractor working for CL&P will ask you for payment or need to enter you home for any reason!

Contrary to some reports, CO2 Detectors are not available from the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.

Door to Door Vendors:  Reports are coming in that numerous vendors are on the ground in Avon.  As door-to-door vendors circulate the community offering services, such as tree companies, please use good judgment before agreeing to terms.  Ask neighbors or friends what they paid for similar services.  Ask to see a license or proof of insurance.  Do not allow vendors into your home.  When in doubt, call Police Dispatch at 860.409.4200.  

Shelter:  The shelter located at Avon High School (510 West Avon Road) remains open. The phone number is 860-404-4747.  Food, showers, charging stations, and overnight accommodations are available. Nurses are also onsite to provide general medical advice.  Residents are advised to bring all necessary medications, toiletries (including towels), blankets and personal items.  

Twitter:  In between website updates, the Town will attempt to share relevant information via Twitter at TownofAvonCT.

Elections:  The State has instructed Towns that elections will take place on Tuesday, November 8th.  In Avon, polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Town Hall and the Avon High School (in the old gym).  Residents who normally vote at Roaring Brook School will vote at Avon High School instead.   

Police Update: The Avon Police Department reminds residents to report suspicious activity immediately.  Please call the routine number 860-409-4200 or 911 in an emergency.  If you are concerned about the status of a friend, family member or neighbor, please check in on them or contact Police Dispatch at 860-409-4200 and an officer will go to their residence.

Charging Stations: The Duracell Battery Corporation has set up a charging station in the parking lot of WalMart, located at 255 West Main Street. This station has lockable recharging stations so that residents can leave items to charge in the locker while running errands. The charging station also provides free WiFi, a limited number of computer stations and satellite TV. These services are being provided free of charge.

Packaged Meals and Water Distribution: Packaged meals and water are available for pick up behind the Public Works Facility, located at 11 Arch Road.  Residents will be able to pick up two meals per person per day and one case of water per day (water available to residents not on public water) from noon to 4:00 p.m. today and from noon to 7:00 p.m., starting Monday, until further notice.

In addition, potable water is available to residents at any of the four Fire Companies (between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) as well as from the Avon Water Company main office (24 hours) located at 14 West Main Street.  Residents should bring their own containers; a self service outside faucet is available 24 hours per day during this time. The faucet is located in front of the office near the hatchway door.

Landfill:  The Landfill will be open on Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  All residents will be permitted to dispose of spoiled food or other household refuse that poses a potential health risk. Storm debris will be accepted from permit holders only.  Regular brush rates will apply.  

Trails: At this time, the Town has not been able to assess the damage or accessibility of Avon bicycle/running trails. Residents are advised to avoid using trails until further notice.

Schools: The following school updates have been provided by Gary Mala, Superintendent of Schools:

  • Avon Public Schools are closed thru Tuesday (Nov. 8), due to unsafe roadways.
  • All athletic games and practices have been postponed through Tuesday (Nov. 8).  
  • Please direct school related questions to the Board of Education at 860-404-4700.


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