Storm Damage Updates and Emergency Safety Measures

January 16, 2024

Dear Community Members,

Now that we know everyone is safe and the wind and tides have abated, we should probably turn our attention to cleaning up and getting whatever Federal and State funds we can to help. I will talk with Knox County Emergency Management Agency, Maine Emergency Management Agency, the Island Institute, and others. I’ll also do some reading. Please feel free to share anything you find that could be helpful to the island.

The Select Board meets this Wednesday evening. I hope to have something to share with you after the Board has discussed how to move forward.

Take care,
Rick

January 12th, 4:30 pm.

Here is a brief update:

- Brown's is not yet able to pump gasoline. They do have diesel. Please leave them alone if you can; they have a lot going on.

- Our Sewer and Water systems are fully operational.

- Fox Islands Electric Cooperative linemen have been working since Wednesday's storm to restore power. They will be on the island through the night and tomorrow. Please be patient.

- Our first responders are prepared. The new Public Safety Building will be available for a shelter if needed.

- Many of you will want to be in the ferry parking lot during tomorrow's high tide at 11:52. Please be careful, allow room for emergency vehicles, and don't take risks. Stay off the Town Float during the storm.

- This is a very emotional time for people with waterfront property. Please be mindful of that.

- Everything I wrote below after Wednesday's storm still applies.

Thanks for your support and cooperation.

We will get through this.

Rick
Cell: 207.975.3499

January 10th

Dear Community Members,

I'm writing in my capacity as Local Emergency Management Director, a title which usually makes people laugh, including me. But with today's storm and another on the way Saturday, I would like your help. Here's what you can do:

● Be patient. Everyone is doing whatever they can to clean up and to prepare for Saturday's storm.

● Stay off the road unless you have an urgent need to go somewhere, such as the store or the Clinic.

● Report power outages to Fox Islands Electric Cooperative, 207.863.4636. Once you've reported, please be patient. Their linemen work as quickly as they can. And they need to take time for their own safety too.

● Avoid anything that looks like electric wires; treat all downed wires as if they are hot.

● Do not drive through standing water or floodwater zones. It is very difficult to tell how deep it is, and crossing even one foot of floodwater can sweep a vehicle away.

● Be mindful of our first responders. Stay out of their way and let them work. Call 911 if you have an emergency. Don't text or use Facebook.

● During a storm, we have a limited ability to transport people off the island in a medical emergency. So please don't take unnecessary risks. And be patient with our Clinic and our EMS Crew. They will help; they may need extra time and your patience.

● Go slow with Brown's and fuel and boats. A large part of our community turned out today to help them clean up and assess the damage. That was especially heartening. Brown's believes their fuel systems are intact and operational. But the family and employees have suffered a devastating loss to the shop. If you are desperate for fuel, by all means see what they can do. But if you can wait, then please let them get through Saturday's storm.

● Finally, I don't yet know what the State and Federal Governments will do as far as disaster relief goes. Once I know, I will let you know. In the meantime, please take photographs of the damage and write down what you see.

On behalf of the Select Board and myself, thank you all for your cooperation.

We will get through this.

Rick

Cell: 207.975.3499