Senator Skelos' Snowstorm Assistance Information

With a major snowstorm predicted to impact our area today and tomorrow, below are contact numbers where you can get storm-related information or services. You may wish to print the attached PDF to keep on hand during the storm.

In addition, please read the information regarding important tips and suggested emergency items which may be helpful in case of an emergency.  Please stay safe and warm over the next few days.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS TO KEEP ON HAND

*** REMEMBER TO DIAL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY *** 

To report power outages or downed power lines:

• PSEG Hotline: 1-800-490-0075

• Rockville Centre Electric: 516-678-9305

Important Phone Numbers

• Nassau County Red Cross: 516-747-3500

24-Hour Gas Emergency Service:

• National Grid: (800) 490-0045

Emergency Management:

• Nassau County Office of Emergency Management: 516-573-0636

• New York State Emergency Management Office: 518-292-2200

Mass Transit Information

• MTA/LIRR/LI Bus online: www.mta.info

• LIRR 24 hour travel information center: 718-217-5477

• NYC Transit travel information: 718-330-1234

• NICE Bus Travel Information Center: 516-228-4000

• Suffolk County Transit Information Services: 631-852-5200

• Information on traffic conditions on New York’s major roadways: Call 511 or visit www.511ny.org

Village/Town/City maintained roads

• Village of Atlantic Beach: 516-371-4600

• Village of Cedarhurst: 516-295-5770

• Village of East Rockaway: 516-887-6300

• Village of Hewlett Bay Park: 516-295-1400

• Village of Hewlett Harbor: 516-374-3806

• Village of Hewlett Neck: 516-295-1400

• Village of Island Park: 516-431-0600

• Village of Lawrence: 516-239-4600

• Village of Lynbrook: 516-599-8300

• Village of Malverne: 516-599-1200

• Village of Rockville Centre: 516-678-9300

• Village of Valley Stream: 516-825-4200

• Town of Hempstead: 516-489-5000, 516-538-1900 (after hours)

• City of Long Beach: 516-431-1000

County maintained roads

• Nassau County: 888-684-4274

State maintained roads

• NYS Department of Transportation: 631-904-3059

Some of the most important tips for safe winter driving include:

• Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered;

• Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles;

• Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations;

• Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces;

• Be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to see but makes conditions slippery when pavement temperatures are below freezing;

• Have a cell phone handy, if possible, but do not text while driving; distracted driving is illegal and becomes even more dangerous during storm events;

• Never venture from your vehicle if snowbound;

• Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets and extra warm clothes;

• Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival; and

• Keep calm and do not panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or if you become snowbound.

Motorists should also include the following emergency items in their vehicles:

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Charged cell phone and automobile charger

• Basic first-aid kit

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Extra clothes, including rain gear, boots, mittens, and socks

• Windshield scraper and brush

• Fire extinguisher

• Shovel

• Sand, road salt and/or cat litter for traction

• Tire chains or traction mats

• Basic tool kit, including pliers, wrench, and screwdriver

• Tow rope

• Battery jumper cables

• Road flares/reflectors

• Brightly colored cloth (to use as a flag)

• Road maps

For more winter safety tips, visit the NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/publicsafety/winter.cfm.