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Tetreau: Fairfield's Power Won't Come On Tuesday

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – More than 98 percent of Fairfielders have lost power due to Hurricane Sandy, and they can expect the lights to stay off for another day — at least. The town is working to clear its roads before United Illuminating will begin to restore power, First Selectman Michael Tetreau said.

Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau briefs the media on the town's Hurricane Sandy cleanup efforts.

Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau briefs the media on the town's Hurricane Sandy cleanup efforts.

Photo Credit: Greg Canuel
A downed tree blocks Rowland Road in Fairfield, one of 160 roads blocked in town by trees and wires.

A downed tree blocks Rowland Road in Fairfield, one of 160 roads blocked in town by trees and wires.

Photo Credit: Greg Canuel
A tree collapsed into a home on Catherine Street in Fairfield Tuesday morning.

A tree collapsed into a home on Catherine Street in Fairfield Tuesday morning.

Photo Credit: Greg Canuel

“Simply put, we haven’t cleared all the roads yet,” Tetreau said Tuesday morning. “We had an emergency in the northern part of town, and our crews could not get there because the roads were blocked.”

More than 21,400 homes and businesses in Fairfield were without power as of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to UI. About 160 streets were blocked by downed trees and wires. Clearing those streets is Fairfield’s priority Tuesday, to allow emergency crews to get around town, Tetreau said.

The flooding in Fairfield was “the higher than we’ve ever seen in anyone’s recent lifetime,” he said Tuesday. At least five homes on Fairfield Beach Road were destroyed and fell into Pine Creek. Fairfield Fire Department crews rescued two-dozen people who were trapped in their homes Monday night.

Officials asked Fairfielders to stay in their homes Tuesday to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles. Power lines were also underwater in many flood areas, so officials warn that wading in water might create an electrocution risk.

“The storm has passed, but the hazards remain,” said Police Chief Gary MacNamara. “Stay in your homes, stay off the roads and listen for our advice.”

A total of 214 Fairfield residents and more than 40 pets were using the town’s emergency shelter at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. A few evacuees had also been moved to the Carolton Convalescent Hospital to receive medical care during the storm.

The Fairfield Police Station lobby at 100 Reef Road is open as a cell phone charging station. Police and fire crews have also set up substations at Shoprite at 1975 Black Rock Turnpike and the former Stratfield IGA at Stratfield and Fairfield Woods Road.

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