Storm Recovery: Helpful Information & Contacts

September 16, 2011

Recovering from Tropical Storms Irene and Lee is the main concern, but we all must continue to be very careful, stay patient and calm, heed emergency workers (i.e. roadblocks and water advisories), help our neighbors (especially the sick, elderly, disabled or those with small children), and ensure our own good health and well-being. During cleanup efforts, please stay vigilant for other dangers, including:

• FIRES
• CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
• FALLING MATERIALS & TREES
• ADDITIONAL FLASH FLOODS
• LANDSLIDES
• FATIGUE, OVERHEATING AND “OVER DOING IT” DURING CLEANUP EFFORTS
• BROKEN SEWER LINES OR POWER LINES

AFTER AN EMERGENCY:

• Contact interested parties to let them know that you are safe.
• Obey all curfews and emergency orders.
• DO NOT enter evacuated areas until local officials have issued an “All Clear.”
• Stay away from disaster areas. Do not sightsee!
• If driving, be aware of road and bridge washouts, and storm debris on roadways.
• Avoid all downed power lines. Assume all have live electricity.
• Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities.
• When helping injured or trapped persons, do not try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.

RETURNING HOME AFTER A DISASTER:

• Stay out of damaged buildings and return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Beware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair. When entering a fire-damaged building, look for signs of heat or smoke.
• Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank. Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
• Upon entering the building, use a battery-powered flashlight. Do not use an open flame as a source of light—some gas still may be trapped inside.
• When inspecting the building, wear heavy-soled rubber boots and gloves. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires before making certain the main power switch is off.
• Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
• Have electric, gas, and water connections checked before turning them back on.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave area immediately if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
• Take extra precautions to prevent fire. Lowered pressure in water mains may make firefighting extremely difficult.
• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, if you need housing, food, or personal items that were destroyed.
• Take pictures of damages, keep records of all clean up and repair costs, and report to your insurance company.
• Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken (for insurance purposes).

For ANY help, please contact Assemblyman Pete Lopez and his staff at any of his offices or by emailing lopezp@assembly.state.ny.us.

FEMA
1-800-621-3362
www.disasterassistance.gov
www.fema.gov

NY-ALERT
(for weather or traffic alerts)
1-888-697-6972
www.nyalert.gov

NY 5-1-1
(for travel and transit alerts)
Dial 5-1-1 on your phone
www.511ny.org

NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (formerly SEMO)
www.nysemo.state.ny.us

NYS Department of Health
www.health.state.ny.us

NYS Department of Insurance
www.ins.state.ny.us
Irene Insurance-Related Hotline
Monday through Friday, 8AM to 8PM
1-800-339-1759

NY Aware Prepare
(866) SAFE-NYS (723-3697)
www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare

To find/place lost pets:
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
518-434-8128
www.mohawkhumanesociety.org

AND

Columbia-Greene Humane Society
518-828-6044
www.cghs.org

American Red Cross
www.americanredcross.org

NY Blood Bank
www.nybloodbank.org

Schools and other community events may be delayed, cancelled or changed due to the storm. Please check local news listings or contact your school/event venue before attending.

What's New