Yesterday, I declared a state of emergency that allowed @EversourceMA to take control over a plan to restore utilities in the affected areas. They quickly mobilized a leadership team, set up a centrally located command center + organized the deployment of hundreds of gas workers.
Local, State and Federal officials have been working around the clock. While we all know that there is a lot of work left to do, we are starting to make some progress.
The work to recover from this incident is being broken down into three phases.
The work to recover from this incident is being broken down into three phases.
The first phase is all about getting people back into their homes safely and restoring electricity. Technicians and fire personnel are deployed to work designated areas one at a time. They are shutting off gas meters and inspecting buildings to make sure it is safe to re-enter.
Phase 2 will consist of assessing the damage to the low pressure gas system, and Phase 3 will consist of technicians inspecting every piece of equipment from the meter, where gas enters a building, to the equipment throughout a building that distributes gas to all the appliances.
None of this work is easy and requires massive numbers of personnel working together. More than 900 resources are currently deployed working to complete Phase One. Resources and personnel have come in from as far away as Ohio. Clearly, when the call went out, it was answered.
We expect to have the vast majority of the remaining homes done and cleared for gas tonight, and the entire effort of Phase 1 substantially complete overnight, then people can return to their homes at 7AM tomorrow morning.
When people return home, we ask they are vigilant and take notice of any damage that may have occurred.
> If you notice any fire related damages to appliances or gas heating systems: Call 911.
> If you smell gas: Call 911.
> If you notice any fire related damages to appliances or gas heating systems: Call 911.
> If you smell gas: Call 911.
Today, I also spoke with the CEO of NiSource. I stressed to him just how vital it is that they marshal every available resource to assist the restoration effort. I also made clear to them how vital it is they support the people of Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.
The people of #Lawrence, #Andover and #NorthAndover have been incredibly supportive of one another. Thank you all for your patience + support as the crews get out there and do this work. And again, thank you to our first responders who have stepped up to answer the call of duty.
We are opening a Recovery Resource Center to ensure that the people who were impacted by Thursday’s gas line incident have access to the resources they need to get back on their feet. ow.ly/pK1230lPUbH
Arlington Middle School
150 Arlington Street
Lawrence, MA
Arlington Middle School
150 Arlington Street
Lawrence, MA
