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Ice Storm 2008

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December 12, 2008

Haverhill opens shelter

By Gretchen Putnam

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.

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Ice Storm 2008

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