HOT PLATES, COLD HOUSES

LAWRENCE RECOVERY GETS COOL RECEPTION AS RESIDENTS STUCK WITHOUT STOVES, HEAT

Residents in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover lined up yesterday to pick up hot plates distributed by state and local officials but some said the freebies are just a bandage covering larger issues.

The hot plates were handed out door-to-door and at claims centers as residents are still without gas more than a week after dozens of gas explosions

erupted across Merrimack Valley.

Amber Cook of Lawrence has four children and said she has been using a crock pot and microwave to feed them. She said feeding her kids “microwave food” is not healthy enough and is leaving them hungry. National Grid arrived at her door to deliver a hot plate, which she quickly accepted. “Any little bit helps so my children aren’t hungry all the time,” said Cook.

The National Guard put over 200 guard personnel to work managing the logistics of distribution and about 150 Columbia Gas employees joined them.

However, Cook said Columbia’s community efforts are falling short. “Yeah, they’re trying to help but they shouldn’t have let it get this bad,” she said. Cook said she is also worried about keeping her children warm as cool weather creeps in. Evening temperatures are set to drop below 50 this week.

Jennifer Dejesus of Lawrence was on her way to work when she saw crews handing out the hot plates and decided to pull over. “It’s sufficient for right now because I have a baby so she requires warm food,” said Dejesus. She said she has been cooking meals at a friend’s house and using her microwave to heat up water. Like Cook, Dejesus wasn’t completely satisfied with Columbia’s efforts, “I don’t think it’s good enough. I just think they’re trying to sugarcoat everything.”

As reported in the Herald on Friday, 7,000 hot plates and 24,000 space heaters were purchased for the relief effort. The twoburner Cuisinart and Black and Decker hot plates sell for around $30.

Space heaters, which retail for upward of $50, will also be distributed to residents, but only to those whose homes can support the heaters safely. Crews will begin delivery of the space heaters tomorrow, however the rollout is expected to take longer as electricians go to each home to properly install them.

Some homes and businesses may not have gas until Nov. 19, which is when service is expected to be restored to all customers. Columbia Gas will have to replace 48 miles of pipeline in the area.

STAFF PHOTOS BY PATRICK WHITTEMORE IN ACTION: The Massachusetts National Guard distributes hot plates yesterday in Lawrence, above. At South Lawrence East Middle School, right, 7,000 hot plates are stacked to be handed out.

STAFF PHOTOS BY PATRICK WHITTEMORE COLD COMFORT: Lawrence residents Amber Cook, above holding her 2-year-old son Eli, and Jennifer Dejesus, right, both felt that Columbia Gas was not doing enough to help families.

STAFF PHOTO BY PATRICK WHITTEMORE READY FOR DUTY: Massachusetts National Guard members load some of the 7,000 hot plates into vehicles yesterday at South Lawrence East Middle School prior to distributing them to Merrimack Valley residents affected by the gas explosions.