WINTER STORM NEMO EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION AND TIPS

Posted by Greg Ball [1] on Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Below is a list of important contact information and tips:

Utility Companies:

Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED

Central Hudson Gas and Electric: (845) 452-2700

National Grid: (718) 643-4050

NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131

Emergency Service Providers:

The American Red Cross of Mid Hudson Valley: (845) 471-0200

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department: (845) 486-3800

Putnam County Sheriff’s Department: (845) 225-4300

Westchester County Emergency Services Center: (914) 231-1851 or (914) 864-5450

United Way’s 2-1-1 Help Line: 211

Transportation:

Metro North: (212) 532-4900 or http://www.mta.info/mnr/ [3]

Senator Ball’s Contact Information:

Office Phone: (845) 279-3773

Email Address: gball@nysenate.gov [7]

Please review these following tips as the storm approaches:

Before the storm hits:

Tie down or bring inside lawn furniture, trash cans, tools and hanging plants that could be projectiles during the storm.
If you have a basement, check sump pumps to ensure they are operating and be prepared to use a backup system.
Have a standby generator or alternative source of power available.
Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.

As the storm approaches:

If you must travel:

Do not attempt to drive over flooded roads – turn around and go another way. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

If you are at home or at work:

If winds become strong:

Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered.
Close all interior doors.
Secure and brace external doors.
If you are in a two or multiple-story house, go to an interior lower-floor room.
Remain indoors during a severe thunder storm. If warned of a tornado, go to a basement or other low area in your home or business or in a room with no windows.

If you lose electrical service:

Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.
If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, fill plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one. This will help keep food cold.

If you need to use a generator:

Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
Run generators outside, downwind of structures. Never run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generator’s exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces.
Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most small, home-use portable generators produce 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator can damage it and appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep children away from generators at all times.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

Do not operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Do not use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
Do not use your gas oven to heat your home — prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm.

Other information

Thu, 02/07/2013