Assemblymember Cahill: Emergency Services Are Available

Advises Local Residents to Utilize State & Local Services in Aftermath of Hurricane Irene

August 29, 2011

(Kingston, NY) – The office of Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) put together a list of resources and information for area residents experiencing difficulties in wake of Hurricane Irene. After Sunday’s storm, approximately 56,000 units are without power and thousands are suffering the effects of severe flooding across the Hudson Valley Region.

“Ulster and Northern Dutchess counties were hit especially hard during yesterday’s storm,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “While the initial danger of the storm is past us, there are still downed power lines and exceedingly high flood waters spanning much of the area. Many roads remain unpassable while downed trees and power lines are cleared and bridges inspected. It is important that residents take the necessary precautions to ensure their continued safety in the aftermath of the hurricane. Our neighbors should be aware of the services offered by state and local agencies to prevent further damage and to help get their lives back on track as quickly as possible.”

Central Hudson has dozens of crews working to reinstate service and have called upon mutual aid from out of state to help with restoration efforts. Priority is given to repair lines that will return service to the greatest number of customers in the shortest amount of time. If you do not have electricity, please log your location as soon as possible with Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714. Customers are also instructed to report gas breaches by dialing 800-942-8274. If you have access to the internet you may check the status of your region’s power outage by visiting Central Hudson’s Outage Map at http://www.centralhudson.com/StormCentral.html, and for access to additional storm-related information, visit http://www.centralhudson.com/hurricaneirene.html.

Additionally, residents can contact the New York State Public Service Commission hotline for questions and information regarding gas and/or electric shutoff by dialing 1-800-342-3355.

Dry ice distributions will be made at the Central Hudson Kingston Office starting today at 3:00pm at 2001 Route 9W in Lake Katrine. Tomorrow, dry ice will be available at the Rosendale Rec Center at 1055 Route 32 in Rosendale.

Several emergency shelters in the 101st Assembly District have been established to help those in need. In Ulster County and Dutchess County, the following shelters are available to provide food, water, items and facilities for personal hygiene, and temporary housing:

• Accord Firehouse on Main Street in Accord.
• Belleayre Mountain Ski Center off of State Route 28, Highmount
• Rochester 2 Firehouse on Samsonville Road in Kerhonkson
• Kerhonkson-Accord Rescue Squad Building on Route 209 in Kerhonkson
• Benedictine Hospital at 105 Mary's Avenue in Kingston
• SUNY New Paltz at the Athletic and Wellness Center on the SUNY New Paltz Campus in New Paltz
• Rhinebeck Town Hall at 80 East Market Street.

Those members of the community utilizing these services are asked to provide their own bedding, additional clothes, and alternative housing for pets.

Residents are also advised to contact the following agencies for emergency-related information and services:

• New York State Department of Insurance:
  Consumers should contact their insurance company, agent or broker to get answers to specific questions about their policies and file claims as soon as possible as this may impact potential FEMA assistance. Disaster related calls should be directed to the Department’s disaster hotline at 800-339-1759, which will be open starting Monday from 8:00am to 8:00pm for as long as needed.
• New York State Department of Transportation:
  For information on road incidents and closures in the area, dial 511 on your phone or visit http://www.511ny.org/.

• American Red Cross of the Mid-Hudson Valley:
  For temporary shelter, basic hygiene items, financial aid for food, clothing, replacement medications and medical supplies, infant supplies, and other necessary items, call (845) 471-0200.
• Ulster County Department of Emergency Management and Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response:
  To report any emergencies related to flooding or other storm-related damage.
  • Ulster County: (845)-331-7000
  • Dutchess County: (845) 486-2080
• Office of the Governor:
  For general information, resources and updates from Governor Cuomo, visit http://www.governor.ny.gov/
• FEMA:
  For updates on Federal Aid programs for New York State visit http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15432

Assemblymember Cahill encouraged area residents to contact his office at (845) 338-9610 with any additional questions or concerns.

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