Selectmen Commend Response to Weekend Storm, Compare Damage to Irene

In a review of Westwood's response to the , the Westwood Board of Selectmen Tuesday night commended the response efforts by Westwood officials and compared the damage of the storm to that left in the wake of in August. 

The storm itself left thousands without power, though the number of NSTAR customers affected decreased from 1,679 on Monday morning to less than 160 as of Tuesday night, according to information produced by NSTAR. 

But the board noted that despite the fact that several residents were still in the dark going into Wednesday, the quick response to restore power and repair damages can be attributed to Westwood's public safety officials and Department of Public Works crews, which helped NSTAR during the event. 

"I wouldn't underestimate the value of what our people are doing to impact NSTAR," Selectmen Clerk Nancy Hyde said. "I don't think we get as far as we do because of NSTAR's efforts (alone). I think it's because of us. Everybody who does it makes a difference. It's really important and very much appreciated."

Selectmen Chair Pat Ahearn echoed Hyde's comments and said that while being without power for days far from ideal, the response to help fix the issue was worth noting. 

"We have a group of dedicated employees," Ahearn said. "They deserve to be commended."

Of those noted for their assistance through the storm were Westwood DPW Director Vicki Quiram and Deputy Director of Public Works Chris Gallagher, as well as and and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Reardon. 

Gallagher and Reardon were among those who actively pursued NSTAR crews to respond to areas reportedly without power Sunday, when at least seven families arrived at the , Westwood Town Administrator Mike Jaillet said. 

The shelter ultimately closed after 8 p.m. Sunday because those residents who were present were able to return home that same night, as their power was restored. 

What's more, with such an abundance of downed power lines and falling tree limbs, officials chose to as a safety precaution.

Officials were able to relay that message, Jaillet said, through the town's Blackboard Connect announcement service, through which residents are encouraged to update current phone and email contacts in the event of an emergency or important announcement. 

One factor that may have helped prepare for the storm, Jaillet said, would have been if officials met previous to the harsh weather in the way they had before Irene. 

But Ahearn was quick to note that this particular storm was harder to prepare for, considering how quickly it intensified and how unpredictable it's wrath would eventually become. 

"Thursday, they were talking an inch or so of snow, and then it seemed to grow early on Friday, and then it bloomed early on Saturday," Ahearn said. "It was certainly worse than anyone anticipated early in the week. It just seemed to grow with every forecast."