Officials: Be Careful With Generators and Other Equipment

Mayor Jason L. McCoy and public safety officials are urging residents without power to use "extreme caution" and to take "necessary measures to ensure safety" while the town and utility companies work to "uphold public safety and restore power to Vernon."

“As the power outage persists, it is imperative that residents take necessary precautions to avoid any unnecessary accidents or fatalities,” McCoy said. “Public safety is the town’s top priority, and we are taking every step necessary to ensure that residents without power have a safe, dry place to seek refuge and receive a meal.”

McCoy is also urging residents to closely monitor their water supply, as public and private water supplies may not be safe to drink.

"Water that is discolored, cloudy, has an odor, small particles floating in it, or otherwise tainted should not be used," he said.

McCoy said Residents should remain cognizant of potential boil water advisories and other public safety information issued by their respective water company.

He said residents can obtain more information about drinking water by visiting the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s website at www.ct.gov/dph.

Residents in need of potable water can obtain it at Henry Park, 120 South Street, at an outlet next to the Lottie Fisk Building. Residents can access the park from both McLean Street and Kevin Drive. Water will be available on a daily basis from sunrise until sunset.

Public safety officials said residents should be aware that an unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for up to four hours and a freezer for roughly 24 to 48 hours.

“It is important that residents do not eat food that has spoiled as a result of temperature loss in their refrigerator or freezer,” McCoy said. “Residents should check for odors, as well as visible spoil signs to ensure that perishables are safe to eat. If food has been determined as not edible, it should be properly disposed of.”

Residents should throw away any unsafe food, including food that has been exposed to temperatures of forty degrees Fahrenheit for two or more hours that has an unusual odor, color or texture, according to public safety officials. Food that is determined unsafe should never be tasted and disposed of immediately, they said.

More information on food safety can be obtained at www.redcross.org.

The town is setting up a dumpster at the Transfer Station on Hockanum Boulevard on Wednesday. Residents will be able to dispose of only perishable items and household food waste from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public Works Director Robert Kleinhans said bulk items will not be accepted for disposal.

After a cannon monoxide poisoning incident in town on Monday, McCoy and Fire Chief William Call are urging residents to be aware of the potential effects of exhaust. A family was nearly killed after running a generator in its garage.

"People just have to think about safety and be careful running the equipment,'' Call said.

McCoy added, "Generators that are powered by gasoline release carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill very quickly. Residents should ensure that portable generators are installed properly and used in an open, well ventilated space. Members of the community should not use portable generators, gas grills, gas lanterns, or camping stoves indoors, and they should be kept at a safe distance from residencies.”

Call and McCoy said that residents should never use portable generators inside a home, garage, carport, crawlspace, shed or other partially enclosed space, regardless of ventilation. Portable generators should only be used outside and kept at a minimum distance of 10 feet from the home, to ensure that the generator is away from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning units, they said.

Call and McCoy offered several tips:

• Do not touch any downed wires; assume all wires are live and call 911.
• Turn off and unplug electronic appliances to avoid complications during power restoration.

• Avoid downed tree limbs with wires tangled around them; call 911 to report the wires
   
• Use eye and face protection, and other safety equipment when using a chainsaw.
   
Refrain from leaving lit candles unattended and place them in safe holders.

• Do not use a fireplace unless it has recently been cleaned out and is serviceable.

• Septic systems that utilize electric pumps should be monitored for possible sewage backup. Residents can contact the Department of Public Health for septic questions at 860-509-7296.

Vernon’s Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 860-871-7468. Residents are reminded to avoid downed power lines and to contact their utility providers to report any unreported power outages by calling 800-286-2000 or 860-947-2000.