New Kent Suffers Widespread Power Outages, Delays School Opening

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, September 01, 2011

The extent of the damage from Hurricane Irene in New Kent County is so great, it has been difficult for residents to get the word out.

School Superintendent Rick Richardson decided to try to bring attention to their plight by using what power he had to send an email to the Virginia School Board Association on Thursday morning. His email described widespread power outages, confirmed by FEMA’s determination Wednesday that New Kent County was one of the hardest hit in the Commonwealth. The email was forwarded to other school boards in neighboring counties.

In his email, Richardson describes how the school board office is running off a generator, with land lines that are currently not operational. “With Internet/cable/email and power out, as well as several of the cell towers compromised, we have had enormous difficulty notifying parents, staff and families of any recovery efforts, including ongoing plans for reopening our buildings for staff, and ultimately for students,” he wrote.

Only one of the division’s four schools had its power restored as of Thursday morning, and one has roof and possible structural damage. The School Board had an emergency meeting Wednesday and agreed to postpone the first day of school. If power is restored to all school facilities by no later than 5 p.m. Friday, schools will open Sept. 8. If power is not restored by then, schools will open Sept. 12.

“The damage across the county is widespread and often catastrophic, so recovery is going very slowly for our communities, families and staff,” Richardson said.

The county has established a public inquiry line at 804-966-9677; the non-emergency Sheriff’s Office line is 804-966-9500. Residents can get water and ice from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Bloom supermarket in Quinton, Colonial Downs in New Kent and Henrico Jail East in Barhamsville. New Kent water is safe to drink without boiling.

There are four 24/7 locations to retrieve potable water – Bloom, Henrico Jail East, the Visitors & Commerce Center and the Historic School (11819 New Kent Highway) beside Rose & Crown Restaurant. Hydrants can be accessed when residents bring containers, with a five gallon maximum.