Response to Tropical Storm Isaias

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Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell praised the coordinated state, county and local response to Tropical Storm Isaias, which kept Putnam County residents safe during Tropical Storm Isaias and its aftermath.

“Once again, our county and local first responders made us proud,” County Executive Odell said. “The quick and sustained response of the members of the Incident Command Staff including Deputy County Executive Thomas Feighery, Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Ken Clair, Putnam County Highway Commissioner Fred Pena and the many municipal highway crews and fire and police departments that made sure our roads were cleared and our residents safe.  I also want to thank the volunteers like the Knights of Columbus, Ace Endico and the Paladin Center. They didn’t hesitate to step up and offer help to our residents. It’s that community spirit that makes Putnam County such a special place to live.”

Odell also thanked the state officials who were embedded at the Incident Command Center and provided invaluable assistance, including Michael Kopy, Director of Emergency Management, Dylan Miyoshi, Hudson Valley Representative in the Office of Regional Affairs, Tom Scaglione, Hudson Valley Representative of the state Department of Labor and Tom Cogdon, Executive Deputy of the Department of Public Service.

Ken Clair Jr., the commissioner of the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services said every town in the county had significant damage, with fallen trees blocking roads everywhere and bringing down utility poles and transmission lines.

“This storm was comparable to the 2018 tornado in terms of damage,” Commissioner Clair said. “Luckily, we have a really good team in the county. The Legislature, senior services, social services, county highway and local highway crews, the police, the fire departments, everyone knows their job in a storm. We push through and we get it done.”

County Executive Odell declared a State of Emergency on August 5 and called in the New York National Guard, who distributed water and ice to each municipality for its residents.

Odell said she wished she could say the same about the response by the public utilities that our residents pay for every month. While power has been restored throughout the county, it took far too long, Odell said.

“I’m totally disappointed in NYSEG and Central Hudson,” Odell said. “The utilities were not prepared and that is just not acceptable. Not having access to a reliable power source is more than an inconvenience, for many it is a matter of life and death.”

At the height of the August 3 storm, 90 percent of NYSEG’s 39,000 customers in Putnam County lost power. Central Hudson said 36,000 of its customers in Putnam County lost power. The utilities said that damage in Putnam was even worse than the county suffered in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. NYSEG reported 1,300 downed wires and 161 broken poles in our region.

Putnam County EOC remains open. Over 25,700 customers are still without power. Comfort stations available. Water and Ice available from local municipalities

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County Executive MaryEllen Odell and the ICS Team at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continue to monitor the cleanup and restoration efforts from Tropical Storm Isaias.

“The wind gusts from the storm did a large amount of damage in a relatively short period of time”, said County Executive Odell, “NYSEG reports that damage from this storm surpassed the damage to our region done by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and they will continue to work around the clock to provide restoration”.

County Executive Odell continues to meet with Carl Taylor, President & CEO of NYSEG and Michael Kopy, NYS Director of Emergency Management. NYSEG reports that there were 1,300 downed wires in addition to more than 161 broken poles in our region. Currently there are more than 1200 company and contractor (line and tree) resources actively working in the Brewster division (the Brewster Division serves not only Putnam County but upper Westchester and parts of Dutchess County). NYSEG expects 50% of it’s customers to be restored by Thursday, August 6, 2020 evening with 95% restored by Monday, August 10, 2020. Dry Ice and water is being made available to customers impacted by the outage. Residents should contact their local municipality for distribution information. Each municipality will establish their own location and schedule.

Water and Ice Distribution
(Please check with your local municipality for the availability of dry ice and current schedule)

Carmel

Knights of Columbus
10 Fair St

Wet Ice and Bottled Water

Kent

Kent Police Department
40 Sybil’s Crossing

Bottled Water
24 Hrs

Mahopac

Roller Rink Parking Lot
740 Rt 6

Wet Ice and Bottled Water

Patterson

Town Hall
1142 NY 311

Bottled Water
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Putnam Lake

Scott’s Putnam Lake Wines
74 Fairfield Dr

Bottled Water
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Putnam Valley

Putnam Valley Fire House
265 Oscawanna Lake Rd

Wet Ice and Bottled Water

Southeast

Town Hall
1360 Rt 22

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bottled Water

Comfort stations available:

Friendship Center of Philipstown (former Butterfield Hospital site). 1756 NY-9D, Cold Spring NY

Knights of Columbus, 10 Fair St, Carmel NY

Both facilities are open from 10 AM until 4 PM. Residents can use the facilities to cool down and recharge their phones and other electronic equipment.

All County facilities resumed a normal operating schedule however our public transportation system which includes the Croton Falls Commuters and fixed route PART System is suspended and expected to resume normal operations on Friday, August 7, 2020.

NYSEG reports that currently 23,600 customers are without power. Central Hudson reports 2,000 customers are without power.

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.

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 your utility company.
  • 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.

Please continue to monitor NY-Alert for updates

The County Clerk’s Office announces additional measures to reduce exposure to COVID-19 when conducting business at the County Clerk’s Office and DMV

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Please be advised that in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the office of the Putnam County Clerk is embarking on additional measures to reduce exposure and encourage social distancing while providing necessary services to our customers.

As such, we are urging all patrons to visit our offices only in an emergent situation.

If you must visit our offices to avail yourself of our services please be advised that we must reduce our staff in the office by 50% and will only have limited resources to assist our customers at this time.

Visitors to the County Clerk’s Office will be for expedite passport applications and emergencies only.

Patrons should use the drop box located outside the County Office Building for routine pistol permit transactions, business certificate filings, judgment transcript filings, non-emergency court filings, notary public renewals, land recordings.

Patrons should visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.com/county-clerk for information on forms (pistol permit, passport, etc.), electronic filing of court records, electronic recording of land records, Freedom of Information Law requests and online records search.

On Tuesday March 17, 2020 visitors to the Putnam County DMV will be limited to a maximum of 6 patrons at a time.  Customers are also reminded to visit www.dmv.ny.gov for online processing options such as driver’s license renewals, vehicle registration renewals and duplicate items.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding during this time and will relax these restrictions when it is safe to do so.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Putnam County Clerk’s Office at 845-808-1142 or via e-mail at countyclerk@putnamcountyny.com

County Clerk’s Office asking patrons to forego office visits unless absolutely necessary. Patrons at all facilities including DMV will be limited to a maximum of 10 at any one time

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From the Office of the County Clerk:

Please be advised that in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with Executive Order of Putnam County Executive Maryellen Odell, the office of the Putnam County Clerk is embarking on all possible measures to reduce exposure and encourage social distancing while providing necessary services to our customers.

As such, we are urging all patrons to consider foregoing visiting our offices for the upcoming week unless absolutely necessary.

If you must visit our offices to avail yourself of our services please be advised that we will be significantly limiting the amount of customers in our office.

Visitors to the County Clerk’s Office as well as the Putnam County DMV will be limited to a maximum of 10 patrons at a time.

Customers are also reminded to visit www.dmv.ny.gov for online processing options and www.putnamcountyny.com/county-clerk for information on online transactions available for the County Clerk’s Office.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding during this time and will relax these restrictions when it is safe to do so.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the Putnam County Clerk’s Office at 845-808-1142 or via e-mail at countyclerk@putnamcountyny.com

The Putnam County Department of Health confirms 2 positive cases COVID-19 in Putnam County

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COVID-19 MITIGATION IN PUTNAM

First Lab Confirmed Cases in Putnam, New Executive Orders

BREWSTER, NY— The Putnam County Department of Health (PCDOH) is confirming two positive cases of COVID-19 in Putnam County residents. The individuals have been quarantined at home and will continue to be monitored carefully. Contact tracing is underway and those that are found to have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case will be notified by the PCDOH and precautionary or mandatory quarantine will be established for each person.

“This is not an unexpected event, nor should it cause alarm,” County Executive, MaryEllen Odell, said. “We knew eventually a positive case would be confirmed. The Putnam County Department of Health’s communicable disease staff is working with state and local partners to identify all possible contacts.”

Prior to lab-confirmation of positive COVID-19 cases in Putnam, the County Executive had taken major preventative action on Friday by declaring a State of Emergency and ordering all public schools closed for a five-day period. The news of positive cases in Putnam comes alongside additional emergency measures from the county.

“I have signed three emergency orders to further protect the most vulnerable of our community,” adds the county executive. Effective midnight tonight, the emergency orders include the mandatory closing of daycare centers and nursery schools, prohibiting public gatherings or events of more than 20 people and prohibiting buffet style food. “The message we are sending is this— we strongly recommend proactive and extensive social distancing. You should only be leaving your homes when absolutely necessary.  All social events should be reconsidered and re-scheduled if at all possible. By slowing the spread of COVID-19, it can allow the healthcare system to be better prepared and have the available beds for the most ill.”

“Up until now we have been monitoring dozens of possible exposures, both with and without symptoms,” Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD, said. “We are working around the clock to ensure all measures are taken to mitigate, or slow the impact of this virus. Data suggest that 80% of people who contract the virus self-resolve and tend to have mild symptoms that eventually subside— but we practice social distancing for the 20% that will have serious complications, hospitalizations requiring intubation, or possibly death.”

In this evolving situation, vigilant personal hygiene and social distancing remain the best defenses. Individuals should remain at home if they have a fever or respiratory symptoms and contact their health care provider before going to the doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations include remaining at home until fever or respiratory symptoms have been resolved for a minimum of 24 hours.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • fever
  • coughing
  • shortness of breath

Residents are reminded to call ahead to their doctor’s office, urgent-care facility or hospital, so they may take necessary precautions to prepare. If, however, you are in respiratory distress, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher of your exposure risk. COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Testing for COVID-19 is occurring in Putnam County; tests are administered at the discretion of the attending physician following NYSDOH and CDC guidelines.
Residents can protect themselves from COVID-19/coronavirus, flu and other droplet-spread viruses, with basic, common sense personal hygiene actions including:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
  • Do not share personal items such as water bottles.
  • Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick. Remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (without taking fever-reducing medication) or signs of a fever (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance).
  • Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow or with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

 

For general questions about COVID-19 the New York State Department of Health has established a hotline: 1-888-364-3065. For local information, follow the department of health on social media or visit the county website. If you think you may be a direct contact of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19, please call the PCDOH at 845-808-1390

County Executive issues additional Emergency Orders prohibiting public gatherings or events of more than 20 people and prohibiting buffet style food operations

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Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has issued Executive Orders canceling or postponing all social, community, public gatherings or events, including Putnam County sponsored events where it is anticipated that more than 20 people will be in attendance and also ordering all food service establishments, including delis, supermarkets, grocery stores and catering facilities to cease all buffet style service and sales.

It is important to note that violations of any Executive Orders issued by the County Executive during this state of emergency will be taken very seriously and will be dealt with in full accordance with the law.

The closings and restrictions above join a list of other county closings and cancellations ordered by the County Executive to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.

  • All public and private schools in the county will be closed. Extracurricular activities must be canceled, but the school buildings can remain open for staff and administrators.
  • The county’s four senior centers are closed and home meal delivery will be expanded to all seniors in need.  This includes the Friendship Centers in Carmel, Putnam Valley and Philipstown, and the William Koehler Senior Center in Mahopac.
  • Visitors will no longer be allowed at the Putnam County Jail.
  • All civil service examinations will be canceled and rescheduled at a later date.

In addition to these closings and restrictions, the County continues to recommend proactive and extensive social distancing be practiced.  Specifically, in an effort to reduce the spread and exposure to COVID-19 and to protect our vulnerable populations, everyone should attempt to maintain at least a 6 foot distance from other individuals.  You should only be leaving your homes when absolutely necessary.  All social events should be reconsidered and re-scheduled if at all possible.  Please continue to use common sense and to be mindful of your neighbors and your communities so that we can achieve a reduction in exposure.

The State of Emergency declared by Putnam County on Friday, March 13, continues to allow County Executive Odell to issue Emergency Orders to protect the public health through 11:59 on March 27, 2020.

For the latest information, check the Putnam County website.

All Putnam County Roadways Ordered Closed, Shelter Location

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After discussing the current weather situation with Sheriff Robert Langley, Highway Commissioner Fred Pena and Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Ken Clair, County Executive MaryEllen Odell issued an executive order to ban all non-emergency traffic from roadways in Putnam County.

“The snow is predicted to be very heavy with wind speeds increasing over the next few hours, we need to keep the roadways clear so the highway crews and emergency workers can do their jobs” said County Executive Odell.

This ban mandates that employers within Putnam County release all employees that are not essential to the continued operation of their business

County Executive Odell also met with leaders from NYSEG, the National Guard, Emergency Management, Kent PD, Carmel PD, Sherriff’s Department and County Emergency Services to review the continuing power outages and impact of the current storm.

“With this second winter storm coming into our area just 5 days after the first one, we still have residents without power that are now facing a second hurdle” said County Executive Odell. “Our highway crews have been working non-stop since Friday as have our emergency responders” she continued.

With 3855 residents still without power (3841 NYSEG, 14 Central Hudson) utility crews from NYSEG, Central Hudson and a large number of mutual aid crews, continue work to restore.

County Executive Odell reminds residents that comfort facilities are available at:
Town of Southeast town Hall from 7:00am till 5:00pm
Knight’s of Columbus, 10 Fair Street, Carmel NY from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association located at 15 Mt Ebo Road, Brewster NY from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For Wednesday March 7, 2018 and Thursday March 8, 2018 the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association will remain an overnight shelter. The shelter is located at 15 Mt. Ebo Road in Brewster NY. This is being coordinated by the American Red Cross with Putnam County Emergency Management and the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association.

On Thursday March 8, 2018 Villa Barone Hilltop Manor will be open to the public from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They will be providing soup and a place to charge electronic equipment.

The NY State Police report that Interstate 84 is closed from Connecticut to Pennsylvania for Commercial vehicles, tractor trailers, this includes box trucks, high profile trucks and buses.

Interstate 684 is closed from Interstate 84 to RT 287 for Commercial vehicles, tractor trailers, this includes box trucks, high profile trucks and includes buses.

“With the second storm currently in our area I remind everyone to check on family, friends and neighbors to make sure they are okay during this difficult time” said County Executive Odell.

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

Please continue to monitor NY-Alert for updates

Villa Barone Hilltop Manor opens its doors to the community on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm offering hot soup, a chance to charge electronic equipment and warmth

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As Putnam County endures another major winter storm within one week we continue to see an outpouring of compassion from the community. Villa Barone Hilltop Manor has invited the public to join them for warmth, food and conversation. Villa Barone Hilltop Manor is located at 466 Route 6 in Mahopac.

The idea for a community family evening came to Villa Barone Hilltop Manor’s owner Nick Crecco who said “Villa Barone has been a big part of the Putnam County community and we want to give back to the residents who have had to endure two storms, lack of electricity and uncertainty”.

Villa Barone will open its door to the community Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and will offer hot soup, a chance to charge electronic equipment and a warm friendly place to gather.

“It is open to all and we hope that you will take advantage, please join us and come out and socialize” said Crecco.

Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, 466 Route 6, Mahopac, NY. If you have any question please call Villa Barone Hilltop Manor at 845-628-6600.

9,680 NYSEG customers remain without power-Overnight shelters available-www.putnamcountyny.gov

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The Office of Emergency Management reports that as of 4:30pm 9,680 Putnam County NYSEG customers are still without power. This is down from a high of 25,700.  Crews from NYSEG and mutual aid response teams continue to work for full restoration.

For Tuesday March 6, 2018 overnight shelters for individuals who can’t go to friends or family will be at Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association which is located at 15 Mt Ebo, Brewster NY.
This shelter will be coordinated by the Red Cross in partnership with the host organizations (Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association) and Putnam County Government.

The following comfort stations will open for Thursday 3/7/18:

Knight’s of Columbus, 10 Fair Street, Carmel NY from 9:00am to 6:00pm

Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association located at 15 Mt Ebo Road, Brewster NY from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

With another major winter storm expected to impact the County, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has ordered all Putnam County Government Offices, with the exception of essential services to be closed on Wednesday, 3/7/18. “After meeting with the Putnam County ICS team and reviewing the weather I feel we need to ensure that our employees remain safe during the second major event in one week” said County Executive Odell.

This includes Putnam County Moves, our public transportation system, Croton Falls Commuters, any fixed route PART System, ParaTransit, Veteran’s Transports and Pre-K/EI Transportation to schools in Putnam and Westchester Counties.

The closing also includes all senior activities operated by the Office for Senior Resources.

It is expected that the County will resume a normal schedule on Thursday March 8, 2018.

Please check on neighbors, friends and family during this difficult time.

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

Please monitor NY-Alert and www.putnamcountyny.gov for updates.

All County Offices Open For Business As Usual, Monday March 5, 2018 Including Public Transportation

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Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell has announced that all Putnam County Government Offices will open on their normal schedule for Monday, March 5, 2018. This includes all Putnam County Public Transportation Services.

“In order for us to continue to address the many issues facing our residents following this major Nor’easter, it is imperative that County Government be open to the public”, said County Executive MaryEllen Odell from the County Emergency Operations Center where she has remained to oversee the numerous response activities.

Residents in need of assistance whether storm related or a normal business matter are encouraged to reach out to their local or county government offices on Monday.

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