Putnam County -
Living in one of the hardest areas hit, most Putnam County residents are happy to see their power turned back on; however, there are a few residents still living in the dark.
Melinda Lawrence and her family lost power the night of the storm, one week ago. In New Jersey at the time of the storm, Melinda came home to find a disaster in her front yard, something that has made her life miserable for the last week.
Living just a stone throw away from the new steel power poles going up along State Route 65, Rick Corson continues to live in the dark. Rick is one of a few residents who are stuck waiting for the pole installation to finish up before he gets his power back. He is surviving the heat and lack of electricity, but says living quality has definitely been worsened due to cold showers and hot, uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
Melinda understands power crews are working hard and are under quite a bit of pressure, but says that sense of understanding should go both ways.
Frustrated that he continues to live without power while residents nearby sit in the air conditioning, Rick maintains a sense of humor during these record setting temperatures, joking that the power goes out during the hottest days on record, but will be back on when temperatures are back in the 70s and 80s.
The frustration continues for residents, but AEP says they are doing all that they can, even working around the clock. AEP says residents in the area living without power should see their lights back within the next 5 to 7 days.
As clean-up continues and repair efforts get underway, residents are asked to remember that they can report and file a property damage claim with their county's auditor's office, using that information as future tax relief.
