Community Corner

Out-of-State Power Crews Find Warmth, Showers at Fire Department

Many power crews, who have been working to restore power to Dune Road, have been sleeping in their trucks or in cramped quarters, says fire chief.

In an effort to provide a warm place for out-of-state power restoration crews brought in to help the Long Island Power Authority with the Hurricane Sandy restoration effort, the Hampton Bays Fire Department has opened their doors.

According to John Tedesco, chief of the Hampton Bays Fire Department, for the last several nights, the department's substation has made available cots, showers and coffee and drinks for the workers, who he said are reporting that conditions at an is unfavorable.

Related: 'Mobile Village' in East Hampton Set Up for LIPA Workers

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"LIPA has retrofitted trailers set up, which are basically box trucks with cots piled on top of each other. It's like sleeping in a World War II submarine," said Tedesco, adding that he met one female worker who was sleeping in her car because she didn't want to bunk with the men.

In addition, he said, most of the workers he has come across, are tasked with repairing downed lines in Dune Road — which is a 45 minute to an hour drive from East Hampton.

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"We heard about the conditions and wanted to do something," said Tedesco, who says each night, the department's 25 cots and six recliners have been filled with sleeping workers, some of whom have been working 16-hour days.

Tedesco says he has also reached out to a 20-man tree trimmer crew with members from Colorado and North and South Carolina, to offer up accommodations.

"We want them to be able to get some sleep and rest so they can do their jobs," said Tedesco.

LIPA representatives did not immediately return phone calls for comment.

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