Monticello, NY – Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek has declared a State of Emergency for parts of Sullivan County effective 4 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, May 16, 2018, due to significant impacts from today’s line of severe thunderstorms.
A State of Emergency is issued under Article 2B of New York State Executive Law and in this case applies to the townships of Cochecton, Forestburgh, Highland, Lumberland, Mamakating, Tusten, Smallwood in the Town of Bethel and Rock Hill/Glen Wild in the Town of Thompson. The declaration was made after a conference call this afternoon with town supervisors, village mayors and school superintendents, who relayed numerous reports of impassable roads, stranded vehicles, widespread power outages and extensive tree damage.
“Damage in some parts of the County approaches what we saw during the March 2 blizzard, so I have declared the State of Emergency in Sullivan County to ensure the safety of County residents,” said Potosek. “There are no travel restrictions associated with this declaration, but I urge people to use caution and refrain from unnecessary travel. In some parts of the County, roads may not be passable for several days.”
County offices will be open as normal tomorrow, though County employees should contact their direct supervisor if there is a circumstance preventing them from coming to work. Monticello and Eldred school districts will be closed tomorrow, so that crews can have the time needed to reopen roads and restore power.
Please check the Sullivan County website www.co.sullivan.ny.us and Facebook page www.facebook.com/sullivancountygov 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.
