Putnam Continues Tornado Recovery

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — After meeting with the Incident Command Staff, County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced that most Putnam County Offices would be open at their normal time for Friday, May 18, 2018.

"With power restored to most of our County facilities it is important that we begin to get back to normalcy," Odell said. "Employees and the public should use caution when traveling to our facilities as some less traveled roads may still have debris including downed wires but thanks to our Highway staff our campuses are once again ready for business."

Outages as of Friday morning:

• NYSEG 8,457
• Central Hudson Less than 500

NYSEG & Central Hudson and mutual aid crews will continue to identify and prioritize restoration efforts while ensuring the safety of the workers and public.

All Putnam County Offices are open today, Friday May 18, 2018 however some services are canceled. Due to the numerous remaining road closures, public transportation including Pre-K/Early Intervention will NOT be in operation.

In addition, all friendship centers and adult day services are closed and there will be no deliveries of homebound meals.

The RSVP recognition breakfast originally scheduled for today is postponed until Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

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 Friday May 18, 2018 are as follows:

• 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 are available while supplies last. Please contact your local municipality for more information. There are still over 50 road closures in the County. Travelers are reminded to use caution when driving.

The utility companies and highway crews will remain on the job through the weekend until all roads are cleared and power is restored.

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.

Once power is restored please remember to check all perishable foods and discard any that may be in question. Foods like eggs, milk, meats, cooked leftovers and similar products must be discarded if left over 41 degrees F for more than 2 hours. Other foods may last for an extended time however you should verify with the manufacturer. Frozen foods will typically remain frozen if left in a closed insulated container for short periods. If the item is still frozen it is generally assumed to be safe. If the item is not frozen but less than 41 degrees F the item is safe. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!

Visit www.fda.gov for more information about food safety following a power outage, or call the Health Department at 845-808-1390

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.

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

PHOTO courtesy Leticia Ramirez