CT's utilities and agencies talk Sandy

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- All of the top emergency management executives from all of the state's utilities and state agencies were summoned to the State Capitol to explain what they have planned.

"We are planning and preparing as if this storm will have a significant impact on the state and we need to...the public to take the storm seriously and be our partner in preparation efforts," Gov. Malloy said.

The new, top emergency manager at CL& P says things are different this time.

"While we haven't fully secured commitments for the full contingent we're looking for, we're making good progress and we do expect to have substantial numbers of both line resources and tree resources in the state, pre-landfall," said William Quinlan, V.P. Emergency Preparedness, CL & P.

A year ago, it took days after the storm to get all the help that was needed because CL&P didn't call for help until after the storm. This time, CL&P says they will have over 2-thousand boots on the ground by Sunday night, before it hits.

"We also anticipate pre-staging some of those crews, having them in the field, ready to work, as soon as it's safe to do so," Quinlan said.

The CL&P staging areas for out of state crews expected to be set up by Sunday night are in Waterford, Newtown, Middletown, Middlebury, Windsor and in Bristol.

The much smaller United Illuminating Company, which got higher marks last year, says they are also ready.

"We have the exact complement that we had at the peak of 'Irene' which was 600 resources that were; line, tree, damage assessment, and service contractors. They will be on the ground Sunday night," said John Prete, Senior V.P., United Illuminating.