A sign displays McAdam, New Brunswick. (CTV/Laura Brown)
As of Friday afternoon, approximately one-third of the residents in the Village of McAdam are still grappling with power outages. However, despite the chilly circumstances, the community has come together to support one another.
On the second day without electricity, the Lions Club took the initiative to establish a warming center, drawing in more than 50 individuals, including a recently arrived neighbor. Mayor Ken Stannix shared a heartwarming story of the newcomer expressing her desire to prepare wonton soup for everyone. The community welcomed her gesture, and she brought her own cooking essentials, including pots, pans, and a pasta maker. Throughout the day, she diligently crafted and cooked wontons, ensuring that the community remained well-fed with warm meals.
In the absence of power, volunteer firefighters have been actively relocating generators and heaters from one residence to another. Their efforts aim to prevent frozen pipes and maintain adequate warmth in homes, extending their assistance even to the local nursing home, which required over an hour to reach a comfortable temperature.
The local elementary school experienced a week-long power outage, fortunately regaining electricity on Friday morning just in time to salvage their much-anticipated Christmas concert. Mayor Stannix humorously recounted the eagerness of elementary children, including his granddaughter, to participate in the festive event.
Throughout this cold and challenging week, the community has encountered moments of warmth, although many have faced significant losses, especially in terms of perishable food. Mayor Kate Rogers of Fredericton expressed her concern for those unable to leave their apartments due to malfunctioning elevators, emphasizing the various struggles people have endured.
As the week draws to a close, there are heightened concerns regarding public safety, particularly with dropping temperatures and lingering hazards such as downed trees and power lines. An official from the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), Geoffrey Downey, conveyed reports of children playing near a downed power line in the St. Stephen area, underscoring the need for caution and vigilance. Downey urged the public to prioritize safety, especially when using generators, emphasizing the dangers of indoor usage, including garages, even if doors are open.
Despite the challenges, NB Power, though unavailable for an interview on Friday, remains steadfast in their commitment to restoring power to all customers by Christmas, underscoring their ongoing efforts to address the widespread outages.
