Granby, East Granby On The Way To Recovery From Hurricane Sandy

Granby and East Granby are recovering from Hurricane Sandy Thursday as power returns to more residents and businesses and repairs and restoration continue.

Schools in both towns are open today, Thursday, Nov. 1,

Granby has deactivated its emergency operations center, on standby since Sunday, and is now focusing on recovery on the individual and street levels. Granby went from a high of more than 1,000 CL&P customers, or about 25 percent of the town, Tuesday to 245 customers, or 5 percent, early Thursday morning. Similarly, East Granby went from a high of more than 600 CL&P customers without power, more than 33 percent of the town, to only 18 total customers without power.

East Granby First Selectman Jim Hayden said the town is anticipating almost complete restoration of power by the end of the day Thursday, based on information from CL&P.

Granby Town Manager Bill Smith was also optimistic about restoration of power Wednesday.

“We’re really hopeful that most [outages] can be tended to sometime today,” Smith said.

His optimism was rewarded as a large majority of Granby residents saw their electricity restored Wednesday.

The Granby youth and senior services building (15 North Granby Road, Granby) is still providing a place for residents without power to warm themselves, get potable water and charge electronics during business hours. Additionally, the Farmington Valley YMCA on Salmon Brook Street in Granby is offering use of its locker rooms and showers to those still lacking power. Simply present an ID to prove your local residency (you don’t have to me a member of the Y to use the showers). The East Granby community and senior center will offer similar services to residents who still need them during the day as well.

While 263 Granby and East Granby residents are still without power, the significant progress made today by CL&P is encouraging. Restoration efforts will continue Thursday.

If you still don’t have power or know someone who doesn’t, we’d like to hear from you — send a message to perry.robbin@patch.com to share your extended power outage stories and let others know how you’re dealing with being in the dark so long.