Thursday, December 18, 2008

Derry Residents Deal With Storm Damage

WMUR News Footage

http://www.wmur.com/video/18285218/index.html

90 Percent Of Derry Without Power

DERRY, N.H. -- Some New Hampshire towns in the dark Saturday were in desperate need of aid.
Officials have opened shelters to offer a safe, warm place for residents among the hundreds of thousands who lost power.


Firefighters knocked on just about every door in town to make sure residents are safe. Fewer than 2,000 people have power in Derry out of the town's population of almost 35,000 people.


"It's like Katrina without the water," Derry Fire Chief George Klauber said. "We've been told to anticipate a number of days before power is restored. In some areas, up to two weeks."

Klauber and town officials held a news conference Saturday afternoon to explain the severity of the situation -- but because so many residents remain without power, unable to get the information, firefighters went door-to-door.

"Actually, we're not too bad. We have a generator. So, we do have heat and water," said Nancy Jervah, of Derry.

"We're here at our grandparents' because our power's out and the water's cold," said Maddie Gehrisch, who's staying with her grandmother.

Derry officials estimate about 200 roads blocked by strewn debris, fallen trees and downed wires. First responders have handled 400 emergency calls since Thursday night.

Many residents, like Dave Hastings, are doing their best to fend for themselves.

"Hopefully, they understand there's a substantial burden before they can catch up with us," he said.
Firefighters said the unprecedented extent of this power outage coupled with more cold weather settling in, means people should be ready to ask for help if they need it.

"We're tough New Hampshire people. They believe they can tough it out. This could be very long term," Klauber said.

Firefighters have asked WMUR News 9 to remind homeowners to really be thorough and thoughtful to avoid emergencies.

If you're leaving your home, make sure everything is off -- every appliance, every circuit breaker and, of course, the water.

Derry Fire Crews Respond To Slew Of Calls After Storm

DERRY, N.H. -- Emergency crews are working around the clock in communities hit hard by last week's ice storm.

WMUR News 9's Jean Mackin spent time with rescue workers in Derry, where people are still struggling to get 40 percent of the town back online.

"We want them to really take care and be safe," Derry fire Lt. Bill Gillis said.

Firefighters were called to a street near downtown Derry when a carbon monoxide call came in. They found that a concerned homeowner's carbon monoxide levels in his house were actually normal. Still, they decided to check on his neighbors as a courtesy.

At the first house, they discovered a generator running inside a garage. They opened the doors and told the homeowner to move it outside.

"It's funny because I came in here and got dizzy," said Paul Daniels, of Derry.

The night before, a house on Drew Road burned because a generator ignited while refueling was taking place close to the house.

Firefighters also delivered food to the emergency operations center, and distributed water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Focus on Fire Safety: Holiday Fire Safety

With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings with it increased usage of electric lights, decorations, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries remain preventable.

Christmas Trees

What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.