National Guard delivers hot plates to Merrimack Valley residents

Merrimack Valley residents affected by last week's gas explosions and fires still don't have gas service as crews work to restore 48 miles of pipeline.

Without gas service, most residents won't be able to heat their homes or cook their food.

With that in mind, officials have implemented temporary solutions into their recovery plan, which includes delivering hot plates and space heaters to residents while a new gas pipeline is constructed.

On Saturday, the National Guard delivered 7,000 hot plates from Columbia Gas to Merrimack Valley residents affected by the explosions, making sure homes have a safe way to cook their food.

In Lawrence, National Guard crews were out delivering hot plates from door to door.

>> Read: Columbia Gas statement on restoration to the affected area

In Andover, hot plates were available in the driveway in front of Town Offices at 36 Bartlet Street from noon to 4:00 p.m.

In North Andover, hot plates were available at the Community Claims and Resource Center at 115 Main Street until 5 p.m.

However, as of 12:30 p.m., the town of Andover experienced a shortage of hot plates "due to a limited supply in the initial delivery." Residents were still encouraged to visit the Town Office and sign up for a space heater.

Residents who live in the affected areas in North Andover told Boston 25 News they waited for about an hour to make a claim to receive a hot plate.

By Monday, officials are expected to provide 24,000 space heaters to help residents stay warm as temperatures being to drop.

Electricians and fire officials will also be going door to door to make sure hot plates and space heaters can safely run in each home. Governor Baker said taxpayers are not footing the bill for this.

Residents say they are concerned if the cold weather arrives before gas service is restored.

“The bottom line is Columbia is going to pay for this," said Gov. Baker.

>> MORE: Gas pipeline pressure before explosions was 12 times higher than normal

Later this week, in-house assessments will be conducted and go through Nov. 19 as crews continue restoration efforts.

Utility officials pledged Friday to complete the replacement of 48 miles of natural gas pipeline and re-energize 8,600 gas meters individually by November 19.

“The plan looked achievable, thoughtful and safe," said Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera. "Do I want it to be faster, as a person who has taken seven cold showers in this long time? Yeah, I want it to be faster."

Also on Saturday, Columbia Gas hosted a job fair at the Greater Lawrence Technical School starting at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. The company is looking for skilled plumbers, electricians and IT professionals to help with gas restoration efforts and aid those affected by the explosions and fires.

>> Previous: Timeline of events during Merrimack Valley gas explosions

Officials are hoping to recruit as much help as they can with the restoration efforts while simultaneously offering opportunities for those affected by the explosions and fires.

Currently, 20 crews are working on the gas restoration, but Columbia Gas hopes that number will triple by Monday with the help of the job fair.

Cox Media Group