HAVERHILL - With more than two-thirds of the city's 21,000 households without power, Mayor James J. Fiorentini has declared a state emergency and opened the Citizens Center as a shelter.
Fiorentini says there are at least 200 trees down throughout the city and the Department of Public Works does not have enough manpower or chainsaws to get to every call immediately. He asked for residents' patience and that people call Haverhill Police at 978-373-1212 to report fallen trees or wires since the DPW has no working phones.
"The D.P.W. and National Grid have been out all night doing the best they can, but it will be a couple of days before they can get to all the trees," Fiorentini said.
Fiorentini sought an emergency spending bill from the City Council today to buy more chainsaws today and pay for overtime for DPW workers. He said a private tree removal company has also been brought into to help remove fallen trees.
The Citizens Center is open now and will remain open through the night, Fiorentini said. The Citizens Center is located at 10 Welcome St.
Police Deputy Chief Donald Thompson said extra police have been put on to help with the situation.
To reach the Haverhill Police Department to report a downed tree or wire, call 978-373-1212.
Ex-Hit Man's Past Is a Shock to Some Neighbors
Fans: Gandofini 'Put New Jersey on the Map'
Does Future of Human Race Depend on Kansas Mine?
Reining in 'Bad News' Sports Parents
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
