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08/05/2020 12:00 AMWith close to 8,500 houses without power as of Wednesday morning--more than 75 percent of the town--Guilford is looking at a long recovery from destruction in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaias.
Guilford police responded to more than 210 road hazard calls on Tuesday as the storm swept over the town, according to a post on their Facebook page. Roads were blocked in 60 places--the vast majority due to downed wires and fallen trees, according to data provided by the department.
There were no serious injuries or deaths as a result of the storm, according to an update posted by First Selectman Matt Hoey Wednesday morning.
"This was an incredibly strong, swift storm... it will take days to recover power and open up all the roads. Know that the Fire Department, [Department of Public Works], and the Police will all be there if you need us," the post read.
Eversource workers did not come to Guilford Tuesday night as the storm drifted north, but according to the police, crews would be out today to "make safe" areas where wires were down, allowing town departments to begin clearing roads.
Those crews had not arrived in Guilford as of 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to Hoey.
"We continue to push Eversource management to deliver these resources," he wrote.
The town will be prioritizing major roadways, according to Hoey--with power lines down on Route 77, Long Hill Road, and Route 80--before moving on to "secondary roads."
Guilford police warned residents not to try to drive through blocked roads and to avoid downed wires, as well as respecting cones, barriers, and directions from police and other town employees.
Police also asked residents not to "go out for a ride to see the devastation," as extra traffic will only create more danger for both crews and the sightseers.
The Guilford Fire Department asked residents to make sure all their appliances are turned off, as stoves and ovens could pose a fire hazard once power is restored. They also reminded residents not to "backfeed" their generators--plug it directly into a home's electrical panel without a transfer switch--as this can put both the resident and anyone working on restoring power at risk of serious injury.
The "Stump Dump" will be open every day this week from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., including Saturday, to receive brush and leaf debris, according to Hoey.
A complete list and map of road hazards and blockages can be found on the Guilford Police Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GuilfordPD/photos/pcb.2735674276691744/2735674153358423/?type=3&theater.