Utility crews work around the clock to restore power

CHELMSFORD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Living by candlelight and ordering takeout, a Chelmsford family is trying to stay positive.

"My feelings probably would be a lot worse if we were 10 degrees here and we had frozen pipes and the heat was going and everything was going south on all of our neighbors then I'd be probably a lot more frustrated,” said Paul Brouillette.

But day 2 with no power started to take its toll.

Some schools were still in the dark. The Fire Department stood guard over a live wire behind one of them waiting for utility crews.

The town manager said so far the response is not good.

"We're getting a worse response this year then we were last year when we had the October snow fall...unacceptable,” said Paul Cohen.

In Billerica, residents experienced similar frustrations.

"I understand what's going on along the coast but it doesn't do a lot for us today,” said John Curran, Billerica town manager.

A Norton home caught fire after three transformers blew.

Utilities like National Grid said they're doing all they can.

Meanwhile people who live here prepare for a very dark Halloween.

“It will make for a spooky event,” said Sabrina Smith.

As of Wednesday morning, power had been restored to Chelmsford schools. There were no cancellations for Chelmsford schools Wednesday morning.