MEMA Warns Mass. Tornado Victims Of Scammers Posing As Utility Workers
BRIMFIELD (CBS) - "It looks like a nuclear bomb went off." That's how one resident describes the damage from a tornado that struck Brimfield.
By Friday night, some residents there were getting their lights turned back on. But many remained in the dark.
Utility crews have driven their bucket trucks from as far away as Indiana. They are slowly restoring power, one street at a time.
And while so many have come to help, there are those few low-lives who look to take advantage. On Friday night, MEMA issued a warning to residents Friday saying it has received reports of scammers posing as utility workers, possibly asking for payment to restore service.
"National Grid does not charge to restore service," MEMA said in a Facebook post. "Please be wary of anyone claiming to be from National Grid and asking for payment. National Grid workers carry company identification, and customers should ask to see ID if they have concerns. If you have questions please call customer service at 1-800-322-3223."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
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The problem is not as widespread as the ice storm, but all of the debris is creating a challenging task for crews.
Some residents were returning home, others don't have homes to return to. They were sifting through the rubble, still stunned by what happened earlier in the week.
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports
"This house right here was built not a year ago and it got swept away," said Casey McClain as he pointed toward a pile of debris that used to be his neighbor's house.
His neighbor, Maribel Gonzalez was just thankful to be alive.
"The entire house was taken away but we were blessed by the lord. We weren't taken away," said Gonzalez.
The neighborhood is gone; at least one home was ripped right off of its foundation.
Many neighbors were still trying to figure out what to do and who would help?
"My house is destroyed and I want to know what's going on. I don't know anything," said Ross Robidoux. "I'm going to take some clothes out of here everything else is destroyed."
But in the midst of all the rubble there are sights and sounds of hope and of a community coming together.
The First Congregational Church has been turned into a food pantry and shelter for anyone in need.
