Sullivan County will officially be under a state of emergency starting at 12:01am on Sunday, county manager David Fanslau announced this afternoon:
(Monticello, NY 5:18 PM) – Sullivan County Manager David P. Fanslau declared a state of emergency in Sullivan County effective 12:01 am, Sunday, August 28, 2011 and to continue through 5:00 pm, Monday, August 29, 2011. A state of emergency is issued under Article 2B of New York State Executive Law. The County of Sullivan is communicating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service to discuss the potential track of the storm.
“I have declared the state of emergency in Sullivan County to ensure the safety of the county residents,” said County Manager David P. Fanslau. “At this time travel is not restricted but I am advising all Sullivan County residents to take precautions if traveling is absolutely necessary.” Sullivan County’s Emergency Operation Center will be open at Noon on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Please check the Sullivan County website www.co.sullivan.ny.us for updates and if power is lost please tune into the local radio stations for regular updates. There will also be updated information if at any time local shelters will be opened.
Residents can prepare for this or any other emergency in severe weather:
- Review their household disaster plan. Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact.” Then make certain all family members have that number. Designate a family emergency meeting point; some familiar location where the family can meet in the event the home is accessible.
- Have on hand a three day supply of food and water. One gallon of water per person per day is rule plus water for personal hygiene. Food on hand should not require refrigeration or heating.
- Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called. Include children’s schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.
- Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand. Make sure battery-operated radios and flashlights are available and have an ample supply of batteries. Have a first aid kit available and make sure there is an ample supply of medicines on hand for those who require them.
- Pay attention to the news. Know the local radio and television stations that will provide up-to-date official information during an emergency.
- Know the hurricane/storm risks in their areas, and learn the storm surge history and area’s elevation.
- Learn their community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.
- Learn safe routes inland and local sheltering plans.
- Make arrangements on where to relocate pets during a storm because most shelters will not allow pets.
- Store important documents – insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc. – in a waterproof container. Also, have cash (in small bills), checkbook, credit and ATM cards readily available.
One of the best ways that residents can receive emergency information is from NY-ALERT, New York State’s All-hazards Alert and Notification Systems. To subscribe for this service, visit www.nyalert.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may still sign up for NY-ALERT by calling 1-888-697-6972” said Fanslau.
For more information about this press release, please contact David Fanslau, County Manager, at 845-807-0450.
