Maps of NH Outage? Durham’s are not Precise
Every morning here in Boston we get the update on how many people in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are still without power after last week’s ice storm. Schools are still out and some have given up until after New Year’s. There are lots of references to a 1998 ice storm. I recall that. One GIS company got a lot PR for supporting recovery efforts. It was MapInfo. So, I’ve been keeping an eye out for maps… I found this entry in the Union Leader’s blog on the storm.
DURHAM, 2:01 p.m. Town Manager Todd Selig, in a press release, says PSNH has told town officials that it is concentrating its efforts on Meserve Road, Mathes Cove, Durham Point Road, Wedgewood Subdivision, Madbury Road, Valentine Hill and Thompson Road.
Selig bluntly said in the press release, “Do Not Assume PSNH Knows You Have No Power! Despite the utility’s best efforts, it is clear to us that PSNH does NOT have an accurate understanding of the extent of power outage in Durham. To this end, we need your help. The Town of Durham does NOT have a precise map concerning who does not have power. Our information comes from nighttime reconnaissance from our departments and from individuals who contact us directly. We would ask that individuals who do not have power contact Public Service of New Hampshire on a daily basis until power is restored at 1-800-662-7764. In addition, individuals who do not have power should let the Town know by contacting the Town Clerk’s Office at 868-5577 (Fax: 868-8033) or by emailing us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).”
A few thoughts: (1) This is one heck of a storm/recovery effort. (2) The town manager was transparent and clear about the situation. (2) What might be a good proxy to identify those without power?
