WESTON, Conn. Weston residents flocked to Weston Middle Schools emergency shelter Monday to warm up, charge up and take a much needed hot shower. Seventy percent of the town was still without power.
I think this is wonderful and I am so thrilled that I found out about it, said Redding resident Amy Mohtares. Currently all of Redding is without power and without an emergency shelter, so Mohtares made the 30 minute drive, passing downed power lines and tree limbs, just to warm up.
Redding is like a nightmare, she said.
Mohtares used Weston's emergency center to charge her cell phone and to send emails for work. Her family spent the evening bundled up under blankets and said even though they had a fire going it still wasnt enough. It was freezing and we ran out of fire wood, she said.
Mohtares is not alone. Many people are coming to the emergency shelter to fill up water jugs, grab a hot cup of coffee and take a shower. We dont have any heat, so I came down here to take a hot shower," said Lisa Singer of Weston. "I will probably be back tomorrow.
Four Weston residents stayed at the shelter last night, and shelter volunteers expect the numbers to increase as the outages linger. We have cots for 150 people," said shelter volunteer Andree McAdam. "CL&P said we need to prepare for a week without power.
The shelter has several charging stations, Meals Ready to Eat and cases of water, but the most popular item is the hot shower. The showers are not private stalls, so bring a bathing suit.
The is expected to be open indefinitely. Town officials ask anyone planning to sleep at the facility to call ahead at 203-222-2656.
Town Hall is opened Monday until 5 p.m. for any residents looking to charge a cell phone or laptop.
How are you coping with the power outage? Let reporter Erin Lynch know at elynch@thedailyweston.com.
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