Family with newborn finding ways to cope with cold in Merrimack Valley

Thousands in the Merrimack Valley are still without heat and hot water, with many still not back in their homes as cold temperatures head into the area.

For the Stronach family, they're looking for ways to stay busy and to keep moving as temperatures drop.

Like the thousands of others in the Merrimack Valley, the Stronach's are battling a lack of heat or hot water, but they've also been dealing with their newborn baby girl named Ella.

"It has been difficult," Jenna Stronach said. "We just want to get back to normal life, have our heat back.

Stronach and her family have been keeping Ella warm with a space heater as temperatures continue to fall, and their 6-year-old daughter Lyla and son Luke are doing the same.

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"We bundle her up, keep her warm," Stronach said. "We keep her seat near the fire place."

The family's meals have been heated up in the microwave day after way, and Stronach said the family has utilized a lot of chicken nuggets, rice bags and pasta to get by.

These circumstances have continued for the North Andover family since the Merrimack Valley gas explosions on September 13.

Now, with temperatures dipping and snow on the way, the frustration continues for the family.

"Definitely a lot of frustration," Stronach said. "A lot of the answers aren't consistent."

After Lawrence mayor Dan Rivera suggested Columbia Gas crews work on Thanksgiving Day to make progress on repairs in the area, Columbia Gas responded by saying their workers would have the holiday off.

>>MORE: Utility to provide Thanksgiving to victims of Merrimack Valley gas disaster

"We have thousands of workers working daily in homes to restore gas service," Columbia Gas spokesman Dean Lieberman said. "To allow them and our customers to celebrate Thanksgiving, they are not working on Thanksgiving Day, but will be back to work on Friday."

While the frustration for so many continues to grow, many residents say they're just dealing with the issue day by day. However, they say there's no getting used to not having heat or hot water.

Cox Media Group