Foxborough: Unplugged

With the door closed and the lights off, an empty Comey’s Cleaners offers a promise to customers: a sign on their front door reads ‘We Will Be Back Once We Have Power.’  Typically open on Monday afternoons, Comey’s is just one of several homes and businesses to be left without electricity following Sunday’s storm.

Though the wind and rain are gone, Irene’s effects still linger.  Over a dozen businesses around the center of town including Friendlys, CVS, and The Commons remained closed Monday, unable to provide their services during the power outage.  Traffic lights remain off as well, though luckily no accidents have been reported.  Foxborough has been without electricity since early Sunday morning, when Irene first touched down in southern Massachusetts.  Debris been cleared off of main roads, but several large branches still remain on Foxborough Common and the Centre Burial Ground. 

In a speech Monday afternoon Governor Deval Patrick confirmed reports that over 500,000 Massachusetts residents and businesses are still without power, but said “most should have power restored by tonight.”  There is still no official timetable for getting Foxborough’s grid back online; some citizens are optimistic that the town will be able to fulfill the Governor’s prediction, while the that residents should prepare for a long haul.

On the chance that electricity is not restored tonight, here are a few tips Foxborough residents can use to stay safe.  While driving, approach every non-functioning traffic light as if it were a stop sign.  This will cut down on confusion and reduce the potential for accidents. 

In the home, a half-full freezer will keep for 24 hours.  A full freezer will keep for 48 hours.  Try to limit the number of times you open your refrigerator and freezer to increase the amount of time cold food will last.  Throw away and groceries that have gone bad to reduce the chance that they will spoil other food.  Do not refreeze  any food that has already defrosted.

Here is a list of open and closed businesses that will be updated throughout the day. If your business was closed, and reopened recently, email Courtney.Jansson@patch.com.

Open

- selling nonperishable items

Foxborough Town Hall

Foxborough Public Safety Buildings

Patriot Place establishments

CVS

Papa Gino's, Foxborough Plaza

Senior Center - They have "People Power"

Closed

Foxborough downtown businesses (Spoodles Soup Factory, Cafe on the Common)

Chestnut Green Establishments

Friendly's