Putnam County Activates Emergency Ops Center During Arctic Blast

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County officials are monitoring a dangerous cold front that will deliver temperatures near zero and deadly wind chills of 14 degrees below zero during the early morning hours of Saturday.

These temperatures are dangerous for humans as well as pets, they warned in an alert to residents, adding tips.

• Make sure you have sufficient fuel for heating as well as the necessary supplies such as food and medications to limit your need to be outside.
• If you must go outside be sure to wear layered clothing, a hat, and protect your hands by using gloves or mittens. Cover your mouth and nose to protect your lungs from cold air.
• Get out of the cold if signs of hypothermia appear. This includes uncontrollable shaking, being extremely tired, confusion. Stay alert for frostbite indications which include pale skin, numb toes, fingers, nose or ear lobes. If signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear, immediately move to a warm area. Make sure that all clothing is dry. Use a blanket for additional warmth. Call 9-1-1 if symptoms are severe.
• It is a common misconception that our pets are not susceptible to cold emergencies. This is untrue, and just like humans our pets can develop life threatening hypothermia and frostbite. Keep your pets protected! Whenever possible, keep your pets inside. Go here for more information.
• If you use a generator, remember NEVER operate it in an enclosed space, even with a window or door open. This includes inside your home, basement, or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

If you need help but it's not an emergency, call Putnam County’s United Way Information & Help Line at 2-1-1 which is available 24/7. Putnam County 9-1-1 should only be used for emergency requests for Police, Fire or EMS.

To report a power outage or downed wires, call your local utility company; NYSEG 800-572-1131. Central Hudson 845-452-2700 or use their apps.

The Putnam County Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring the situation. Visit the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Preparedness webpage.