2015 Winter Storm Tips

Our area is currently under a Blizzard Warning, with weather forecasters including the National Weather Service predicting an historic storm beginning at 1 pm today and continuing into Tuesday morning. We could see snow accumulate between 18 and 24 inches, with higher amounts possible. The snow may fall at rates of 2 to 4 inches an hour late tonight into Tuesday morning. 

Please keep yourself and your family safe and protected during this blizzard. Governor Cuomo has declared a State of Emergency for all New York counties south of Sullivan, which includes Westchester, and has said the New York State Thruway and other state-controlled highways may close at 10 p.m. Mass transit will be impacted. Metro-North and the LIRR will shut down at 11:00 PM Monday night.

You can sign up for emergency alerts issued through the New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYSOEM).

Keep informed by monitoring the weather reports and travel advisories. Stay home and off the roads unless its absolutely necessary that you travel. Compile a list of important, local phone numbers in your city, town or village that you might need to call directly. Remember that 9-1-1 is there for life-threatening emergencies. 

We rely on our first responders to assist us when disasters strike but we can also take measures to prepare and protect ourselves, our family, our neighbors and especially the elderly.

Here are some helpful information from the Red Cross, Con Edison and local Fire Departments to help you be prepared for this Winter Storm or any potentially dangerous, prolonged weather event.

IMPORTANT SUPPLIES

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers: Keep your cellphone charged in case the power goes out
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
• Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves
  • Make sure there is proper ventilation and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home
  • Follow proper safety procedures if using an emergency generator 

WHAT TO DO IF THE POWER GOES OUT

Con Edison reminds customers to follow safety precautions, particularly staying away from downed wires. Those wires could be live.Customers can report downed power lines, outages and check service restoration status at www.conEd.com or by calling 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Use electrical outlets safely.  Do not overload them or plug more than one extension cord into each.
• Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.  Let children know that they shouldn't touch or play near them.
• Do not leave any candles or anything burning without proper supervision and safety precautions.
• Do not use your stove to heat your home.