DARIEN, Conn. Thousands were still without power Monday after Tropical Storm Irene blew through Darien, knocking down trees and wires. But Darien's needy and elderly stayed safe through the storm, said Social Services Director Olive Hauser.
"We called many of our clients prior to the storm, and during and after the storm. The most vulnerable seem to be doing OK," Hauser said Monday. The Gallivant bus for seniors was on hand in case seniors had needed to be evacuated during the storm, but it was unnecessary. "Many of our clients have home care, who were able to look after them and make sure that they were doing OK."
Hauser said the Social Services Department has received calls but most were asking when the power would be back. As of 8:30 p.m. Monday, Connecticut Light & Power reported that 3,417 customers were still without power, making up 43 percent of the town's customers.
Darien police said Monday that many roads in town were still impassable and warned of the dangers of downed wires. "Treat all wires as though they are energized. Cable lines and telephone lines can be energized if they are in contact with power lines, and you may not realize that they are in contact with one another."
Town officials met with representatives from CL&P on Monday, who said crews have been dispatched to Darien but could not give a timeframe on when power would be restored.
Police also asked residents not move any barricades because they have been placed to prevent hazardous situations. Many traffic lights are not operating, so drivers should stop at all nonoperating lights.
Any uninsured structural damage should be reported to the town's Office of Emergency Management at 203-656-7345 or by email at [email protected], as well as to the state at [email protected].
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