Gov. Wants Federal Aid for Friday's Storms
Severe weather leaves heavy damage
By ELYSSA MILLSPAUGH
Updated 8:45 AM EST, Wed, Jul 1, 2009
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Storms ripped through the state Friday and Gov. M. Jodi Rell is looking for federal assistance for property owners who were affected.
A tornado touched down in Wethersfield and caused severe damage to homes and property, while wind and hail downed trees and power lines throughout Farmington, Rell said on her Website.
State emergency management officials have already begun an assessment of the damage in the hardest hit areas.
“The devastation in some of these neighborhoods was absolutely staggering. Fortunately, it was a real miracle that there was no loss of life or serious injuries and for that we can all be grateful,” said Rell. “Property owners now have to begin putting their lives back together and my administration will do everything we can to help them.”
In Farmington, the Tunxis Mead Compost Area will be opened for extended hours Monday through Sunday to accommodate the public.
Wethersfield residents are being asked to let the Physical Services Division know if they have received damaged to their homes or properties in the area. The town began assisting those residents on Monday and will continue to do so, including curbside town pickup, until all debris is cleared.
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution when clearing limbs and brush from their property due to the possibility of exposed power lines.
The site also states that residents can use Silas Deane Middle School’s upper parking lot for cleanup purposes.
“A critical first-step to securing this federal assistance is assessing the impacts upon our communities,” the Governor wrote in a letter to DEMHS Commissioner James Thomas. “The prompt actions of you and your staff will help begin the work of assisting the families and communities caught in the path of this violent summer weather."
Severe storms hit East Haven, Marlborough and Newington, with particularly heavy damage in Farmington and Wethersfield.
Rell’s office reported that “straight line wind did widespread damage” throughout the state.
“I commend the quick response of police, firefighters and workers on the countless tree and utility crews,” Rell said. “They did an outstanding job keeping the public safe, clearing roadways and getting power restored to the thousands left in the dark on Friday.”
For questions and concerns related to insurance and homeowners’ storm claims check the state's Website.
First Published: Jun 30, 2009 11:08 AM EST
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