Be Prepared, Build a Go-Bag
Go-bag
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
- Flashlight
- Radio – battery operated
- Batteries
- Whistle
- Dust mask
- Pocket knife
- Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
- Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
- Local map
- Some water and food
- Permanent marker, paper and tape
- Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
- List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
- List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
- Copy of health insurance and identification cards
- Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
- Prescription medications and first aid supplies
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Extra keys to your house and vehicle
- Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
Emergency Plan Checklist
Emergency Plan Checklist
Disasters, natural or man-made, often come without warning. Have these supplies and details organized ahead of time, and you’ll weather the storm with less stress.
- Know your area and what disasters are possible.
If you live in a flood plain or your town is on an active fault line, you need to plan accordingly. Check ready.gov for what to expect in your area. - Create a basic emergency supply kit.
Be sure that it includes the following: Water (have one gallon per person, per day, for three days—for drinking and sanitation); food (have a three-day supply of nonperishable items); can opener; battery-powered radio; flashlight; extra batteries; moist towelettes and garbage bags (for sanitation needs); local maps (if your preplanned evacuation route isn’t passable, you can navigate back roads, if necessary); first-aid kit; whistle (to signal for help); wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities); dust mask - Consider a few extra items, depending on your family’s needs.
These might be: Food, medication, and toys for pets; infant formula and diapers; extra eyeglasses; an extra prescription slip or refill of important medications (talk to your doctor); comfortable shoes and a change of clothing for each family member; blankets or sleeping bags - Make a to-go bag.
Create a small version of an emergency kit with essentials like nonperishable food, water, a small first-aid kit, and a change of clothes that you can grab in a hurry or keep in the car. - Know your evacuation routes.
Have more than one option for getting out of town quickly. - Designate three family meeting spots.
Pick an area near the home to meet in the event of a fire. Choose another that is in the region, in case everyone is scattered and can’t get home. Have a third that is out-of-town, should your family have to evacuate separately. - Select an out-of-town contact.
Name one family member or friend who can serve as a point person if your immediate family is separated. - Make a list of phone numbers.
Everyone in the family should have a list of important contacts they carry with them. Make sure you include numbers for your office, your partner’s office, your children’s schools, day care, doctors, and close family members. Include the numbers of your health and home owner’s insurance companies, as well as your policy numbers. - Write down important personal information.
On the same emergency phone list, note any medical conditions you have. For your young children, record date of birth, address, and medical conditions. You can print out a template listing all of this info at ready.gov. - Know the emergency plan of your children’s schools.
If your kids are evacuated from school or day care, where do they go? Where can you pick them up? - Have a family meeting.
Make sure everyone knows and understands your emergency plan. Talk about meeting points, discuss fire safety, and have kids get involved in making the emergency supply kit. They may alert you to something you forgot—like the necessity of a spare security blanket.
Putnam County Officials Urge County Residents To Continue To Monitor The Arrival Of A Dangerous Storm With High Winds
Issued By: Putnam County Emergency Management
Headline: UPDATE: Putnam County Officials Urge County Residents To Continue To Monitor The Arrival Of A Dangerous Storm With High Winds
This morning, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County Executive, along with County Emergency Response Officials participated in a National Weather Service briefing. Following is an overview of the current and predicted conditions.
Hurricane Sandy continues its slow path towards our region and as it does, there have been several changes. Over the last 24 hours the center of the storm continues to gain strength and organization. As it slowly gains strength it would appear that it is going to make landfall slightly north of the original prediction, now central New Jersey.
For our area the two major concerns are high wind speeds and tidal surges along the Hudson River. While rain remains a factor, the National Weather Service believes we will not see the severe impacts from water as we did in Irene. The winds for our area will begin to pick up in intensity at approximately 4:00 AM Monday October 29, 2012 reaching its peak Monday at 8:00 PM. Winds, although diminishing, will stay with us through mid-day Thursday.
Total rainfall for this event is 2″ – 6″ with localized rain bands bringing in 1″ 2″ per hour.
Winds:
Sunday (10/28/12) 8:00 PM 14 MPH
Monday (10/29/12) 8:00 AM 28 MPH Gusts to 44 MPH
Monday (10/29/12) 8:00 PM 41 MPH Gusts to 62 MPH
Tuesday (10/30/12) 8:00 AM 32 MPH Gusts to 49 MPH
Tuesday (10/30/12) 8:00 PM 24 MPH Gusts to 36 MPH
Wednesday (10/31/12) 8:00 AM 11 MPH Gusts to 25 MPH
Wednesday (10/31/12) 8:00 PM 7 MPH
Putnam’s Hudson River communities need to prepare for a higher than normal tidal surge. Due to atmospheric conditions and an increasing East Fetch (sustaining winds and atmospheric pressure that do not allow normal drainage of previous high tides) it is predicted that the tidal surge will be 2’ – 4’ over the normal high tide with the National Weather Service predicting closer to the 4’ mark. In addition the longer storm duration will result in up to 3 higher than normal tidal cycles.
Temperatures will remain slightly above seasonal at the onset, but as the storm mixes with a cold front, temperatures will begin to descend into slightly lower than seasonal. By Wednesday we will see temperatures of 50 F during the day and 40 F overnight. There are no below freezing temperatures predicted.
We should be prepared for localized flooding conditions as the remaining leaf cover is removed from trees. This can create blockage for normal drainage paths such as small streams.
We advise all residents and visitors to Putnam County to prepare now.
Charge your cell phone and have a car charger available.
Have a battery powered radio and flashlights as well as extra batteries on hand.
Make sure you have enough medications (prescriptions and over the counter) on hand for all family members for at least one week.
Inspect your house and surrounding areas for loose items, secure anything that can move in high winds. Go to http://www.ready.gov for more storm preparation tips.
In addition, take time now to review your Personal Storm Emergency Plan and:
Have an Emergency GO Kit (everything you need if you have to leave your house)
Establish a Family Communication Plan (how will you communicate with your family during and after the event?)
Know your surroundings; is your property flood prone? Take protective action now!
If you have a generator, be sure it has been installed by a qualified electrician. You MUST have a transfer switch installed to prevent dangerous electricity from injuring utility crews as they repair damaged lines
For more information on storm preparation go to www.ready.gov
To track the storm or for up to date weather information go to www.weather.gov or www.nhc.noaa.gov (the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center)
To report an outage or to review current outages for NYSEG go to http://www.nyseg.com/outages/default.html
To report an outage or to review current outages for Central Hudson go to http://stormcentral.cenhud.com/default.aspx
Stay informed before, during and after the event by signing up for NY-Alert at www.nyalert.gov. By being a NY-Alert subscriber you can receive weather advisories, road closure information and local updates from the County and your local municipality by phone, fax, email or text message, all at no charge!
NYSEG and RG&E Emergency Planners Preparing for Possible Effects of Hurricane Sandy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2012
NYSEG and RG&E Emergency Planners Preparing for
Possible Effects of Hurricane Sandy
>> NYSEG and RG&E urge customers to stay away from downed power lines – even lines that appear “dead” can be deadly. NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations; RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701.
>> Emergency generators can be dangerous. Carefully read, understand and follow manufacturer’s instructions when operating an emergency generator. Never run emergency generators indoors; operate them only outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from windows and doors, and never in a garage.
>> NYSEG and RG&E remind customers to stay out of flooded basements because energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard. Natural gas service in a flooded basement may also pose a danger. If a basement or home is in danger of flooding, customers should contact their utilities to turn off electricity and/or natural gas service.
>> For electricity emergencies and to report power interruptions, NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131; RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701.
>> For natural gas emergencies and to report suspected natural gas odors, NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1121; RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1702.
Rochester, NY – NYSEG and RG&E emergency planners are closely monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for the possible effects of Hurricane Sandy. Depending on the exact track of the storm, portions of the NYSEG and RG&E service areas could experience considerable wind and significant rainfall early next week. NYSEG and RG&E are concerned with the potential impact of falling limbs and trees on power lines and also with possible flooding that could affect both electricity and natural gas facilities.
NYSEG and RG&E front line and support personnel across the state are on heightened alert, the companies’ customer relations centers are prepared and materials are on hand to repair any damage to the companies’ energy delivery systems.
NYSEG and RG&E offer customers the following storm tips:
Before a storm strikes
– Anyone who uses life-sustaining equipment that operates on electricity should contact their utility right away (NYSEG: 1.800.572.1111; RG&E: 1.800.743.2110) right away. Customers may be enrolled in a critical customer program or provided specific advice on how to prepare for power interruptions.
– Keep flashlights, a battery-powered radio or TV and fresh batteries handy.
– Have at least one telephone that is not dependent on electricity. (Cordless phones won’t work during a power interruption.)
– Keep a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand.
– Make sure cell phone batteries are fully charged.
During a power interruption
– Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
– To report a power interruption, contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131; RG&E at 1.800.743.1701. Our telephone systems let callers report the problem, help our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provide customers with power interruption updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Anyone who has access to a working computer during a power interruption can also report the interruption online at nyseg.com or rge.com.
– Listen to a battery-powered radio for weather and power restoration updates.
– Turn off major appliances (electric water heaters, refrigerators and freezers) and sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, audio equipment) to prevent overloading and possible damage when power is restored. Turning off this equipment may mean unplugging it, turning off a circuit breaker or removing a fuse for the circuit that provides power to this equipment. Leave one light switch “on” to know when power has been restored.
– Don’t use a natural gas or propane range to heat your home.
– Never use outdoor grills or stoves inside.
– Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
After your power is restored
– If a basement or home was flooded, customers should have an electrician check the home and have a plumbing and heating contractor check natural gas appliances before contacting NYSEG or RG&E to have services turned on.
– Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.
– Replenish emergency supplies used during the storm.
# # #
About NYSEG, RG&E and Iberdrola USA: NYSEG and RG&E are subsidiaries of Iberdrola USA. NYSEG serves 878,000 electricity customers and 261,000 natural gas customers across more than 40% of upstate New York. RG&E serves 367,000 electricity customers and 303,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region centered on the City of Rochester. Iberdrola USA, a subsidiary of global energy leader Iberdrola, S.A., is an energy services and delivery company with more than 2.4 million customers in upstate New York and New England. We are a team of dedicated individuals working as one to deliver value to our customers, employees and shareholders. By providing outstanding customer service and exceptional reliability, while holding safety and the environment in high regard, we aspire to be a world-class energy company. For more information, visit www.nyseg.com, www.rge.com and www.iberdrolausa.com.
Follow Us on Twitter: @NYSEandG, @RGandE, @IberdrolaUSA
Media Contacts: Clayton Ellis cmellis@nyseg.com 607.762.7336
Dan Hucko Daniel_Hucko@rge.com 585.724.8825
September is National Preparedness Month: Putnam County Supports Ninth Annual Observance
September is National Preparedness Month: Putnam County Supports Ninth Annual Observance
Brewster, NY- National Preparedness Month (NPM) is held each September to encourage Americans to prepare for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. Supported by County Executive MaryEllen Odell and her office, the Bureau of Emergency Services (BES) and the Department of Health (DOH), this year’s month-long effort marks the ninth edition of the annual observance, established in response to the events of September 11. The event is sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with the Citizens Corps Council, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown safety. Putnam County’s Medical Reserve Corps is a part of this national organization. With its more than 250 members, it is a crucial addition to the county’s emergency response plan.
The key messages for individuals during NPM are preparation and self-reliance. Residents should be prepared to manage three days without utilities including electricity and water, and access to supermarkets or other local services. Residents should also be prepared for the possibility of limited response from police, fire, and emergency medical services or rescue, as they may need to focus first on large, widespread problems.
-more –
The Putnam County BES, in collaboration with the county DOH, stress the importance of being prepared for any type of emergency—be it a weather-related natural disaster, like the
October 2011 snow storm, or a man-made catastrophe like September 11. The following suggestions are offered as a start for individuals and families to plan their preparedness:
- Stock a first aid kit and emergency supplies to meet your family’s needs for three days at minimum. Make sure every family member knows where these supplies are stored.
- Have a battery-operated radio, with back-up batteries. Listen to media reports for up-to-date information. WHUD (100.7 FM Radio) and WFAS (103.9 FM, 1230AM Radio) provide local information. On television, News Channel 12 Hudson Valley provides the local view.
- Make sure at least one phone will operate without electricity. If you use a cordless phone, have a spare, hard-wired phone to plug directly into the phone jack, typically on the wall. With cell phones, have a car charger available for recharging purposes.
- Keep important phone numbers written down and available by each phone in the house.
- Know the best escape route from each room in the house.
- Plan locations where family members will meet in case they cannot get home. One spot should be near your home, another should be outside your neighborhood.
- Review and be familiar with your child’s school emergency plan.
Specialized services: NY-Alert, Medical Reserve Corp, and 2-1-1
In times of emergency, specialized services can make all the difference in individual and family safety. New York Alert, the Putnam County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the 2-1-1 Call Center are some examples of free available resources.
NY-Alert is the New York State All-Hazards Alert and Notification system committed to providing current information about risks, threats and appropriate responses. With a free sign-up,
residents can receive warnings and information via their cell phone, email, web or other technologies. Personal information is completely protected and never shared. The selected alerts
can be modified or cancelled at any time by the subscriber. For more information, visit: www.nyalert.gov
The Medical Reserve Corps supports the health and well-being of county residents during a time of public health emergency, or in the event of a disaster. The organization recruits
and trains volunteers year-round and those who serve in the group come from all walks of life. MRC volunteers are not first responders during a disaster. While some may have strong medical qualifications, others contribute by serving as interpreters or with data entry or patient registration. Each volunteer is an asset to the program and new recruits are always needed and welcomed. For more information, call 845-808-1390 and ask for Keiren Farquhar, MRC Coordinator.
The United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center is available year-round, seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm, and can be expanded to 24/7 coverage during times of disaster. This helpline can be reached by simply pressing 2-1-1 on the phone and call specialists provide “one-stop” access to information and referrals to health and human services organizations most appropriate for each caller. Specialists are available to communicate in more than 200 languages.
Numerous other resources exist to assist individuals and families plan their preparedness. Emergency preparedness has vastly improved during the last decade. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources. Please visit FEMA’swww.ready.gov, or BES website at www.pcbes.org. Another helpful resource is the website of the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/features/beready/.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2012 AT 0900 HOURS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2012 AT 0900 HOURS
- The hazmat team will meet on Wednesday, November 7th at the TOP’s Building beginning 19:30 hours.
- The Fire Police Team will meet on Monday, November 12th at the Sheriff’s Office starting at 19:00 hours.
- The Putnam County Chief’s Association Training Seminar is still scheduled to be held on Monday, November 5th at the TOP’s Building beginning at 19:00 hours. Please fax a list of names to the bureau as soon as possible.
- Please monitor your I Am Responding messages for updates on when cancelled classes will be rescheduled.
U.S. Fire Administration Acknowledges the New Fire Service Ethics Statement
To provide guidance to address complex ethical questions, the National Society of Executive Fire Officers and Congressional Fire Services Institute jointly have released a firefighter code of ethics that can be adopted by local fire and emergency medical service organizations. In acknowledgement of the importance of this first of its kind fire service ethics statement, the U.S. Fire Administration has posted the statement throughout the National Fire Academy’s (NFA) facilities and will now include the statement in all course materials distributed to NFA students.
8/26/12 Sunday Announcements – 0900 HOURS
The EMT Pilot Program on Geriatrics will be held on Tuesday, August 28th at the TOP’s Building beginning at 19:00 hours.
The Fire Investigation Team will meet on Wednesday, August 29th at the TOP’s Building starting at 19:30 hours.
The Hazmat Team will meet on Wednesday, September 5th at the TOP’s Building beginning at 19:30 hours.