UPDATE: FEMA Coming to Tolland; Town Struggles to Respond without Technology

Updated 4:15 p.m.

FEMA received a complete report on how Tolland has been able to respond to Tropical Storm Irene. The officials will discuss the response with the state EOC.

Original Story

Emergency Management Director John Littell will be having a face-to-face meeting with FEMA at 11:30 a.m. today to discuss Tolland's ability to respond to .

Littell said that the town has struggled to respond without receiving proper assistance from the state.

"We're not getting the support from the state," he said.

The Tolland EOC has been dealing with faulty phone lines and poor cell phone service, often making communication to residents and the state EOC almost impossible. The Tolland EOC has also been without Internet and email access intermittently. 

Depite numerous calls to the state Department of Emergency Management, Littell says that the town EOC has remained technologically "gridlocked."

He added that while some towns were notified to receive water and food supplies today from the state DEM at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Tolland was left out of the organizational conference call, despite having over 20 and nearly 50 percent of the town without power.

Littell estimates that around 8,000 Tolland residents are in homes without power.

Littell said he is still calling state officials to try and receive assistance.

"The state of Connecticut is obviously backpedaling," he said.

CL&P liaison Ruth Calabrese, who is coordinating with town officials on Tolland's power restoration, said that company assessors and crews are servicing several towns in the area today, and will likely be working in Tolland. 

Town hall, Tolland Intermediate School and the 911 center are currently without power.

Despite the difficulties, the EOC is offering non-potable water at the Fire Training Center. Residents must use their own containers to bring the water home, which is recommended for flushing toilets.

According to a town press release, the Tolland Senior Center, which was open last evening on generator power, will be remain open today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to provide showers for residents. Those without power can also charge their cell phones there. The EOC asks residents to bring their own towels and toiletries.

Public Works Operations Manager Clem Langlois, Jr. says that 37 residents took advantage of the showers last night.

Tolland resident John Hughes, who stopped by the senior center yesterday, has been without power for days.

"The hardest thing is being without running water," he said. "It's difficult."

Littell said that EOC staff will be making runs today to meet an estimated 30 to 60 residents who are stuck at home due to road closures, hemming them in. They will receive water. EOC personnel will assess what other supplies those families may need.

According to the press release, water and food may soon be available at the Tolland Senior Center, as well.

Keep an eye of Tolland Patch for updates as the response to Tropical Storm Irene continues to develop.