State officials and CMP have announced that more than 215,000 people are currently without power as a consequence of the winter storm currently underway, and warn that it may be days before power is fully restored.
CMP is warning at noon that the number of outages could rise as the storm continues changing.
“We will be putting all our efforts today into making sure that downed wires are de-energized to protect the public,” said CMP spokesman John Carroll. “We do not expect to be able to start any restoration work before Saturday, so we urge anyone who is without power this afternoon or loses power over the course of the day to prepare for at least one night without power.
By our best estimate right now, this restoration is likely to last well into next week in many areas.
We need our customers to understand that they should prepare for several days or more without power.”
CMP has contacted utilities as far away as Michigan for assistance. Utilities in the Canadian Maritimes have also been contacted, but those companies are unable to release their crews because the storm has yet to pass through their region.
The company is also coordinating its efforts with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, local emergency management agencies, and the Maine Department of Transportation.
The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.
“Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines and fallen trees or limbs that may be tangled in the lines,” said Carroll. “These should all be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely. I know we say this over and over, but it’s a simple lesson that could save someone’s life.”
CMP also reminds customer who have generators that they must be installed with the correct protective devices to prevent power from feeding back onto the utility’s wires. This creates an extreme risk to utility workers, emergency personnel, and the public.
Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, can be found on CMP’s web site at www.cmpco.com.
Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Tim Pellerin and the American Red Cross reports the Great Salt Bay Community School in Damariscotta is currently open as a shelter.
If transportation assistance is needed to the shelters, local residents are directed to contact their local EMA director.
Damariscotta Emergency Management Director Steve O’Bryan is working with the town to coordinate emergency plans for the Red Cross certified shelter at the school. GSB can be reached 563-3091. O’Bryan’s cell phone number is 592-5454. Another contact is Hillary Roberts at 343-0803.
Those in need of shelter for pets on a temporary basis may contact the Lincoln County Animal Shelter at 27 Atlantic Highway in Edgecomb. Contact person is Betsy Pratt at 882-9677.