Putnam County Officials Urge Residents To Prepare For Possible Winter Storm Wednesday Night 12/16/20 Into Thursday 12/17/20

Putnam County Officials Urge Residents To Prepare For Possible Winter Storm Wednesday Night 12/16/20 Into Thursday 12/17/20

Putnam County Officials are monitoring a large and potentially dangerous winter storm that is predicted to move into our area Wednesday afternoon, 12/16/20, increase in intensity overnight and end Thursday afternoon.

“This storm has the potential to bring more than a foot of snow to our area, and winds could gust up to 25 miles per hour,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “The snow and gusty winds will make travel extremely dangerous. Residents are urged to make sure they are prepared.”

Take time now to review your emergency plans.

Make sure you have adequate amounts of food, water and non-perishable foods; a supply of essential medications; baby supplies including formula and diapers, a battery powered radio; flashlights; spare batteries and charged cell phones. Prepare in advance to get spare fuel for snow blowers and generators (always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations when using power equipment and never operate a generator in an enclosed space; fuel up your vehicles. Remember to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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 is fully manned and should only be used for emergency requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

“I have spoken with Commissioner of Emergency Services, Kenneth Clair and we will continue to monitor the situation, but in the meantime, residents should prepare,” County Executive Odell said. “This storm combined with the pandemic is going to create challenges but we can be prepared. We are prepared to activate our Incident Command Team should we need to.”

Visit the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Preparedness page at:

https://www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes/oem/preparedness/

FEMA provides valuable information regarding emergency preparedness at: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

The Red Cross has a Winter Storm Safety Checklist at:

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240231_WinterStorms.pdf

We will continue to monitor the progress of this storm and provide updates as needed.