All Putnam County Government Offices, with the exception of essential services will be CLOSED Wednesday, 8/5/20

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After meeting with the ICS Team and evaluating the impact of the current weather conditions, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has closed all Putnam County Government Offices with the exception of essential services for Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

This includes:

Our public transportation system which includes the Croton Falls Commuters and fixed route PART System

“While the storm has left our area, the impact of Isaias have left the majority of our residents without power and many roadways impassable”, said County Executive Odell.  “In addition many of our government facilities are without power”.

NYSEG and Central Hudson continue to work on restoration efforts. Currently NYSEG reports over 33,000 customers without power. Highway crews, who worked through the night, will continue their efforts to open roadways.

All Non-Essential Putnam County Government Offices on a 2 hour delay for Wed August 4, 2020

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After meeting with the ICS Team and evaluating the impact of the Tropical Storm Isaias, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has delayed the opening of all Putnam County Government Offices with the exception of essential services for 2 hours on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Offices that normally open at 8:00 AM will open at 10:00 AM and offices that normally open at 9:00 AM will open at 11:00 AM. 

In addition to the delayed opening of non-essential government offices, please note the following: 

Our public transportation system which includes the Croton Falls Commuters and fixed route PART System will be closed for the entire day 

Employees should check the Employee Weather Help Line at 845-808-4087 tomorrow morning for any additional updates. Please use caution when traveling to work as there may still be downed trees and power lines.

With wires and trees down across the county, Putnam County residents are asked to stay off roadways to allow highway crews to clear

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“Highway crews have been working through the storm keeping critical roads open”, said County Executive MaryEllen Odell, “in order for them to work effectively residents are asked to limit travel and stay off roadways”.

The Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reports 80 roads totally impassable and 40 roads with debris but passable throughout the county.

NYSEG reports that currently 33,600 customers are without power with Central Hudson reporting 1300. 

NYSEG and Central Hudson Gas and Electric are working with our highway departments to safely clear downed trees and branches.  NYSEG and Central Hudson both report that mutual aid crews have been assigned to our area and are ready to respond once the winds allow safe operation of equipment.

Residents are reminded to report any outages to their local utility company.  NYSEG can be contacted at 800-572-1131. Central Hudson Gas & Electric can be contacted at 845-452-2700. Both companies have an app available for download to track outages.

Putnam County 9-1-1 remains fully manned and should only be used for emergency requests for Police, Fire or EMS. 

 

Safety Near Fallen Wires:

  • You can’t tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all fallen power lines are live and proceed with extreme caution.
  • If you see a fallen power line, stay at least 30 feet away from it and anything touching it. The ground around a power line and any objects it contacts, such as a fence, may be energized. Call 911 to report the condition so that emergency responders and Central Hudson or NYSEG are notified.
  • If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride. 
  • Do not attempt to move a fallen power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials or cloth can conduct electricity if slightly wet.

Generator Safety: 

  • NEVER operate a generator in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

  • Only have an experienced electrician connect a generator to your home. Improperly installed generators may overload circuits, cause a fire or shock hazard, and can result in serious injury or property damage. Improperly installed generators can also back-feed onto electric lines and endanger repair crews working to restore service.

  • Plug appliances directly into the generator using a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is designed to handle the wattage of all the appliances being connected.

  • Generators should be sized to meet the needs of the appliances they are connected to. If too small, appliances can be damaged, and the generator can overheat, creating a fire hazard.

Putnam County continues to monitor the weather as Tropical Storm Isaias, moves into our area on Tuesday 8/4/20. NYSEG & Central Hudson crews on standby

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The Putnam County Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the potential for heavy rain and strong winds that will transition into our area throughout the day today, August 4, 2020. Isaias made landfall in North Carolina on Monday night as Hurricane Isaias, being downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved northward across the eastern coast of the United States. The major impact of the storm will be felt across the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut coastline however Putnam County will not be exempt as torrential rain and wind gusts over 60 MPH can be expected throughout the day. This storm also brings an increased risk of tornadoes.

“Our Emergency Operations Center has been in contact with both NYSEG and Central Hudson to confirm that both agencies are prepared for this event” said Putnam County Executive Odell. “Our forecast shows that the heaviest rain and most damaging wind gusts will be between 1 and 8 PM today, and as we know from past events these types of storms can cause damage to our electrical distribution system as well as our roadways and residents must be prepared”.

With 1” – 4” of rain expected over a relatively short duration, residents should use caution when traveling on roadways. Softened soil along with high wind conditions can lead to downed trees and flooded roadways making travel treacherous.

NYSEG and Central Hudson both report that mutual aid crews have been assigned to our area and are ready to respond.

County Executive Odell ordered the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center open to monitor the storm and provide resources as needed. “We will continue to monitor the storm as it comes into our area and respond to any incidents that may occur”, said Odell. “Of added concern is the threat of tornadoes, which can occur at any time”.

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris. The signs of a tornado include a rotating funnel shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris or a loud roar similar to a freight train.

If a tornado strikes; If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately; Go to a safe room, basement or cellar; If there is no basement, get to a small interior room on the lowest level; Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls; Do not get under an overpass or bridge, you’re safer in a low, flat position; Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death; Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

County Executive MaryEllen Odell reminds our residents to be prepared.  “During times of crisis a small amount of pre-planning can make a big difference”, said County Executive Odell.  “Plan for several days with no power, have your disaster supplies ready including a supply of essential medications, water and non-perishable food before the storm hits.”

Essential Disaster Supplies Include:

  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Battery operated radio, extra batteries
  • Cell phone, fully charged.  Spare battery if available
  • First Aid Kit
  • Emergency Food and water (1 gallon per person/per day)
  • Extra clothes
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medications, prescriptions
  • Checkbook, cash, credit/ATM cards
  • Spare fuel for your generator

Residents should also inspect their properties and secure any items that can become airborne. Ensure that your pets are protected and remember to check on any neighbors that may need extra assistance.

Residents are reminded to report any outages to their local utility company.  NYSEG can be contacted at 800-572-1131. Central Hudson Gas & Electric can be contacted at 845-452-2700. Both companies have an app available for download to track outages.

County Executive MaryEllen Odell remains at the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with the ICS Team

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“This storm packed a very powerful punch, closing roads and disrupting power across the entire region”, said County Executive Odell. “Our highway crews responded immediately and will continue to stay focused until roadways are passable, but we rely on the power crews to make downed wires safe so our crews can safely remove the debris”.

County Executive Odell discussed the situation with Aziz Uthman, Public Liaison Officer for NYSEG, Brewster Region. NYSEG currently has 6 crews assigned to Putnam County with an additional 3 mutual aid crews. Currently these crews are focused on assisting the local Highway Departments with cut and clear. Uthman said NYSEG crews must wait for the winds to die down before they can use bucket trucks to make repairs but they are working on underground circuits.

The EOC will continue to monitor the weather. The National Weather Service is showing that the high winds should dissipate by 5:00 PM and the storms should move out of our area after 8:00 PM this evening.

All County facilities were already closed to the public and operating on a reduced staff due to Covid-19.

NYSEG reports that currently 14,831 customers are without power. Central Hudson reports 660 customers are without power.

NYSEG and Central Hudson Gas and Electric will continue to work on full restoration and “Make Safe” which allows our Highway Departments to safely clear downed trees and branches.

Residents are reminded to report any outages to their local utility company.  NYSEG can be contacted at 800-572-1131. Central Hudson Gas & Electric can be contacted at 845-452-2700. Both companies have an app available for download to track outages.

Putnam County 9-1-1 remains fully manned and should only be used for emergency requests for Police, Fire or EMS. Calls regarding COVID-19 information should be directed to 211.

Safety Near Fallen Wires:

  • You can’t tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all fallen power lines are live and proceed with extreme caution.
  • If you see a fallen power line, stay at least 30 feet away from it and anything touching it. The ground around a power line and any objects it contacts, such as a fence, may be energized. Call 911 to report the condition so that emergency responders and Central Hudson or NYSEG are notified.
  • If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
  • Do not attempt to move a fallen power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials or cloth can conduct electricity if slightly wet.

 Please continue to monitor NY-Alert for updates

Major storm causes power outages throughout Putnam County. Wind gusts of up to 30 MPH expected until 7:00 PM

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The Putnam County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open to manage the ongoing storm raking through Putnam County. Storms are expected to continue through the early evening which will hamper abilities to provide electric restoration. All County facilities were already closed to the public and operating on a reduced staff due to Covid-19.

“Many of our facilities are without power and significant wind gusts are making it difficult for NYSEG to provide repairs safely”, said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “I have asked the remaining employees to check road conditions and only leave if they feel they are safe”.

The County EOC was previously open to manage the COVID-19 virus. With the addition of these intense storms, the County Executive activated the full ICS staff.

NYSEG reports that currently 14,000 customers are without power. Central Hudson reports 2,400 customers are without power.

NYSEG and Central Hudson Gas and Electric will continue to work on full restoration and “Make Safe” which allows our Highway Departments to safely clear downed trees and branches.

Putnam County 9-1-1 remains fully manned and should only be used for emergency requests for Police, Fire or EMS. Calls regarding COVID-19 information should be directed to 211

Safety Near Fallen Wires:

  • You can’t tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it. You should assume that all fallen power lines are live and proceed with extreme caution.
  • If you see a fallen power line, stay at least 30 feet away from it and anything touching it. The ground around a power line and any objects it contacts, such as a fence, may be energized. Call 911 to report the condition so that emergency responders and Central Hudson or NYSEG are notified.
  • Do not attempt to move a fallen power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials or cloth can conduct electricity if slightly wet.

Please continue to monitor NY-Alert for update

Full Volume Test for Indian Point Sirens Set for Tuesday, October 29th, 2019, at 10:30 AM

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Entergy is conducting a full-volume test of the Indian Point siren system in Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties on Tuesday, October 29th, at approximately 10:30 AM.
During the test the sirens will sound for four minutes. WHUD Radio (100.7 FM) will test the Emergency Alert System immediately following the siren test.

County officials will use the siren system to alert the public during an emergency at Indian Point. A sample of the Siren Sounds can be found at our website. www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes/oem/indian-point/
In an actual emergency, all the sirens would sound at full volume for four minutes. Sirens are not a signal to evacuate; but to alert the public to tune to their local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or TV station for important information. The EAS stations are listed in the booklet “Are you Ready ? Putnam County Indian Point: Emergency Guide,” which was distributed, as well as available online.

Lake Carmel Fire Department has been working at a large mulch fire in the Town of Kent

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The Lake Carmel Fire Department has been working at a large mulch fire in the Town of Kent on Private Property. At this time there is no imminent threat of wide spread or severe damage to property or life. The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services has been working in conjunction with the local fire departments supporting their effort to contain the fire and is poised to respond accordingly in the event that conditions change.  Appropriate State agencies have been contacted and we continue to monitor the situation.

Full Volume Test for Indian Point Sirens Set for Wednesday, August 28th, 2019, at 10:30 AM

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Entergy is conducting a full-volume test of the Indian Point siren system in Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties on Wednesday, August 28th at approximately 10:30 AM.
During the test the sirens will sound for four minutes. WHUD Radio (100.7 FM) will test the Emergency Alert System immediately following the siren test.

County officials will use the siren system to alert the public during an emergency at Indian Point. A sample of the Siren Sounds can be found at our website. www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes/oem/indian-point/
In an actual emergency, all the sirens would sound at full volume for four minutes. Sirens are not a signal to evacuate; but to alert the public to tune to their local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or TV station for important information. The EAS stations are listed in the booklet “Are you Ready? Putnam County Indian Point: Emergency Guide,” which was distributed, as well as available online.

Full Volume Test for Indian Point Sirens Set for Tuesday, June 18th, 2019, at 6:00 PM

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Entergy is conducting a full-volume test of the Indian Point siren system in Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Putnam counties on Tuesday, June 18th at approximately 6:00 PM.
During the test the sirens will sound for four minutes. WHUD Radio (100.7 FM) will test the Emergency Alert System immediately following the siren test.

County officials will use the siren system to alert the public during an emergency at Indian Point. A sample of the Siren Sounds can be found at our website. www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes/oem/indian-point/
In an actual emergency, all the sirens would sound at full volume for four minutes. Sirens are not a signal to evacuate; but to alert the public to tune to their local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or TV station for important information. The EAS stations are listed in the booklet “Are you Ready ? Putnam County Indian Point: Emergency Guide,” which was distributed, as well as available online.