Putnam Comfort Stations Open; Some County Offices Closed

SOUTHEAST, NY — The Putnam County EOC has the safety of responders and the public as a top prioity while the county recovers from the tornadoes Tuesday. As of Wednesday night there were still 168 road closures in Putnam.

"It's our hope today after the utility companies complete their make safe mode and assessment that the county and local highway crews will begin to cut and clear the downed trees and poles," County Executive MaryEllen Odell said on Wednesday. "Let's be courteous, let's be respectful and let's remember we are all in this together and we will keep everyone in our prayers. We have been lucky in Putnam County. We did not suffer any fatalities."

Five people in New York and Connecticut died in the storm when trees fell on them.

Putnam County remains in a State of Emergency.

With the exception of essential services and the Department of Motor Vehicles the County will remain closed on Thursday, May 17, 2018. This will include all public transportation including Pre-K/Early Intervention and all senior services. This was made necessary as there is still no power to many buildings.

To allow a coordinated response, key personnel remain in the Putnam County EOC. This includes NYSEG, Central Hudson the National Guard and Highway Departments.

NYSEG CEO Karl Taylor met Wednesday with Odell at the EOC where they worked to identify and prioritize restoration efforts.

"While the effort is to quickly restore power we must do it safely and working with Mr. Taylor I believe we have developed a good plan," said Odell.

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell remains at the EOC overseeing the operations. The EOC is staffed with key personnel including NYSEG, Central Hudson the National Guard and Highway Departments

NYSEG is reporting 18,402 still without power and Central Hudson reports 1,579 without power. NYSEG & Central Hudson will continue to identify and prioritize restoration efforts while ensuring the safety of the workers and public.

With the exception of essential services and the Department of Motor Vehicles the County will remain closed today Thursday, May 17, 2018. This includes all public transportation including Pre-K/Early Intervention and all senior services

It should be noted that the Department of Motor Vehicles at 1 Geneva Rd in Southeast will be open on a normal schedule.

Commuters are reminded to check for delays or closings before departing. Metro North Railroad www.mta.info/mnr, NYS Transportation https://511ny.org

are just a few that provide up to the minute information.

Comfort Stations will remain open today. All comfort stations have bathroom facilities and will provide an area to recharge your electronic devices.

The comfort stations for Thursday May 17, 2018 are as follows:

• Putnam Valley Friendship Center 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 117 Town Park Lane Putnam Valley NY
• Patterson Recreation Center 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM 65 Front St Patterson NY
• Southeast Town Hall 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 1360 Rt 22 Brewster NY
• Philipstown Recreation Center 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 107 Glenclyffe Garrison NY
• Kent Town Hall 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 25 Sybil’s Crossing Kent Lakes NY

Dry ice and water will be available while supplies last at:

• Putnam Valley Friendship Center 117 Town Park Lane Putnam Valley NY
• Patterson Recreation Center 65 Front St Patterson NY
• Southeast Town Hall 1360 Rt 22 Brewster NY
• Kent Police Department 40 Sybil’s Crossing Kent Lakes NY

There are still numerous road closures in the County. The NYS Police, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and local police are providing traffic control at several intersections where traffic signals are not working.

Highway personnel working with NYSEG and Central Hudson crews continue to cut, clear and make safe. This allows NYSEG and Central Hudson to make systematic electric restorations.

The NYS Police, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and local police are providing traffic control at numerous intersections where traffic signals are not working.

Residents are reminded that to report a power outage or downed wires you should call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps.

Please remember to be safe when there are downed power lines. Wires that look dead may still be live and power could be restored at any time making those wires life threatening.

Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets, a furnace or any electrically operated appliance that is energized. The water or moisture may conduct electricity. Contact may cause serious or fatal injury.

You may have a lot of tree debris in your yard following a storm. Wait until power line repairs are complete before you begin your storm cleanup.

Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.

Replenish emergency supplies used during the storm.

Please call 9-1-1 if you need immediate police, fire or EMS response.

PHOTO: Storm damage in Lake Carmel/ Valerie DeBenedette