Connecticut
Connecticut companies sending crews to help the South recover from Helene
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Connecticut is stepping in to help as millions of people are still without power after Hurricane Helene hammered the Southeast.
“The size of the trees that have come down here is unbelievable, just gigantic trees everywhere,” United Illuminating Senior Manager of Regional Operations Christine Pariseau said.
Travelers relieved to make it to Connecticut ahead of Hurricane Helene
The devastation is unlike anything Pariseau has seen before. She said restoring power to millions is an arduous and urgent task and one that takes trained hands.
“Not a lot of people do this type of work so it is important to use the mutual aid,” Pariseau said.
That’s why UI in Connecticut is lending their hands with 28 line crews down in Virginia and North Carolina.
“They have 14 linemen here and that’s it so they need as much as they can get and so we bring support, mechanics and a few more people to make sure we are self-sufficient,” Pariseau said.
They left on Saturday, along with 45 additional crews from Avangrid in Maine and New York.
Eversource also sent 40 line crews and 20 support personnel from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire to help out.
“No hotels have power down here so it’s been a struggle,” Pariseau said. “The guys have gotten quite a few thousand of people back on.”
Americares provides mutual aid to help the devastation of Hurricane Helene
Beyond utility repairs, Connecticut crews are also performing water rescues and wellfare checks.
The state’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said eight people from their Urban Search and Rescue Team are in North Carolina including swift water technicians, a state trooper and paramedic and communications engineer. They are also checking debris piles and vehicles that were swept down rivers.
Connecticut is helping out with another critical need: food.
Bear’s Smokehouse, that has two locations here, is offering free hot meals at their restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina. They are also launching a fundraiser to support ongoing relief efforts.
Connecticut crews have brought people to safety, restored electricity and given out free meals, really helping out in every way.
Most arrived last weekend and expect to be in Virginia and North Carolina for at least a week.
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WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.
Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.
The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.
Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials.
The crash scene has since been cleared.
Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.
One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.
The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Connecticut
Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers
- Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
- Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
- Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.
Deko took to Facebook to share the news.
“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.
This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.
A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”
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