November 3, 2011 

TIME TO REQUIRE GAS STATIONS AND
SENIOR HOUSING UNITS TO HAVE POWER GENERATORS

State Representative Zeke Zalaski (D-Southington) says it’s time for the legislature to require the installation of generators at gasoline stations in Connecticut and at senior housing units.

“Because of so much suffering during this storm, it is time to require gas stations and senior housing units to have generators,” Rep. Zalaski said. “I am planning to submit legislation to make that happen and request that the appropriate legislative committees hold public hearings once this crisis passes.”

“While my constituents and too many Connecticut residents waited for CL&P to show up, they needed gas for their vehicles and portable generators and they found that too many gas stations were closed because they had no power,” Rep. Zalaski said. “In Southington, for example, many gas stations were closed as hundreds of customers were in need of gasoline, and could not get it while causing traffic jams and creating problems for local police. Generators would have enabled the gas stations to remain open and serve the public. This is a serious public safety issue in all our communities.”

“Our senior population is especially vulnerable during these storms and generators in senior housing units are needed to keep them safe,” Rep. Zalaski continued. “Also, if these units had generators, seniors would not be forced to go to local shelters which can be a traumatic experience for many.”