Road Closures August 31, 2011 PM edition

ROAD CLOSURE LIST

Denning:
County Line – Sundown between Grassy Rd And Ridge Ln
Sundown/Greenville 1 Lane
Watson Hollow

Esopus:
River Rd – Open to local traffic only
Route 213 Old Post Rd to Route 32
Swartekill Rd Between Old Post & Floyd Ackert repairs in progress

Gardiner
Sparkling Ridge Rd by box 118
McKinstry Rd between Brunswick Rd and Burnt Meadow Rd
Upper Forest Glen – utility repairs in progress

Hardenburgh:
Dry Brook Rd Bridge Collapse

Hurley:
Hurley Mt Rd between Rt 28 and Wyncoop
Rt 28A between Route 28A and Spillway Rd
Schoolhouse Rd between Russell Rd and Main St

Lloyd
River Rd
Clearwater Rd
Mile Hill Rd 1 lane
Hurds Road 1 lane

Marlboro:
Bingham rd Lattintown Rd and Hampton Rd

New Paltz:
Springtown Rd from Route 299 to Mountain Rest Rd
South Oakwood between Main St. and Center St.

Olive:
Watson Holow Rd

Plattekill:
Route 44/55 between Picnic Woods Rd and South
East Rd
Old Unionville at Plattekill Ardonia

Rochester:
City Hall Rd between Beehive and Cross Rd
Queens Highway Krum Rd and Millbrook Ln
Queens Highway Cardinal Rd and Rochester Center
Boodle Hole Rd
Airport Rd

Rosendale:
Kallop Rd and Hickory Bush utility repairs in progress
Creek Locks Rd between Main St and DeWitt Lake Rd

Saugerties:
Route 32 at town line
Route 32A at Route 32
Clint Finger Rd
Lighthouse Dr
Reservoir Rd
Phillips Rd
Manorville Rd

Shandaken:
Route 28 just West of Route 212- Bridge 1 lane
Oliveria Rd people at full moon resort and Alpine INN
Route 214 one lane closed just North of the Phoenicia Firehouse
Route 42 between Ulster and Greene County lines
Alpine Rd
Burnham Hollow
Deer Ln
Eagle Mountain
Little Peck Hollow
Maben Hollow Rd
Lower Birch Creek

Shawangunk:
River Rd between Hulse St and Birch Rd
Lippencot Rd between Albany Post and Bruyn Tnpk
Bruyn Tnpk between Albany Post Rd and Hoagerburgh Rd
Ulsterville Rd between Burlingham and Orange County Line
Burlingham Rd at the Sullivan County line
Quannacut Rd near the dead end
Sinsabaugh Rd near Route 52
Jansen Rd between Indian Springs Rd and Awosting Rd
Mountain Rd between Jansen Rd and Redder Rd
Oregon Trail at Sellet Rd
New Prospect between Indian Springs and Awosting

Ulster:
Sandy Rd
Sawkill Ruby Rd between Hallihan Hill Rd and Anita Ct.

Wawarsing:
Ulster Heights from Village Line to Marcus Rd

Woodstock:
Glasco Trnpk between Rock City Rd and Route 212
Sawkill Rd between Zena Rd and Highwoods Rd
Van Dale – Near Niles
Silver Hollow Rd





Bridge Closures


Drummomd Falls Rd - Off Route 32 - Saugerties
Manorville Rd – At Intersection of Ralph Vedder Rd - Saugerties

FEMA phone number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

The correct number to call for FEMA assistance (beginning September 1) is 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)

FEMA-4020-DR-NY

Good morning
Ulster County has received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Irene. We have been deemed eligible for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.
Public assistance will allow municipalities and certain non profits to rebuild roads and infrastructure.
Individual assistance will allow residents and businesses to file for federal assistance. Applications may be submitted beginning tomorrow, September 1 by calling 1-800-FEMA (3362), or filing on-line by logging onto www.disasterassistance.gov. Hearing impaired individuals using TTY may call 1-800-462-7585, or via video relay at 1-800-621-3362. These phone lines are available from 7 AM to 10 PM seven days a week. We also anticipate that a Disaster Assistance Center MAY open in the County.
More information will follow.
Art

Road Closures August 31, 2011

ROAD CLOSURE LIST

Denning:
County Line – Sundown between Grassy Rd And Ridge Ln
Sundown/Greenville 1 Lane
Watson Hollow

Esopus:
Route 213 between William White and Carney
Route 213 Old Post Rd to Route 32
Swartekill Rd Between Old Post & Floyd Ackert

Gardiner
Sparkling Ridge Rd by box 118
Route 299 between Route 44 55 and Wawarsing Rd (Box 909 and 950 have to be accessed from Route 299 end
McKinstry Rd between Brunswick Rd and Burnt Meadow Rd

Hardenburgh:
Dry Brook Rd Bridge Collapse

Hurley/Woodstock:
Hurley Mt Rd between Rt 28 and Wyncoop
Rt 28A between Route 28A and Spillway Rd
Schoolhouse/Russell

Lloyd
Route 9W/Perkinsville

Marlboro:
Route 9w at Perkinsville Rd
Old Post Rd @ the bridge

New Paltz:
Libertyville Rd from Route 299 to Albany Post Rd
Sunset Ridge at Route 32 N
Plains Rd from Water St to Woodland Dr
Springtown Rd from Route 299 to Dug Rd
Schriebers Ln at Deerfield Dr
Water St from Plains Rd to Main St
Huguenot St at the NP Golf Course
Old Kingston Rd from Hugenot st to Gun Club Rd
Elliots Lne from Box 65 Eastbound
Jansen Rd at Route 208
South Ohioville Rd at the “pond”
Brookside Rd
Dubois Rd at Sarafian Rd

Olive
Bradken Rd – Access to box 9&11 @ Traver Hollow Rd
Watson Holow Rd

Plattekill:
South St at Lewis Ln
Route 44/55 between Picnic Woods Rd and South
Alhuesen Rd from Route 32 end
Quaker – beyond Forest Rd
East Rd

Rochester:
City Hall Rd between Beehive and Cross Rd
Queens Highway Krum Rd and Millbrook Ln
Queens Highway Cardinal Rd and Rochester Center
Boodle Hole Rd

Rosendale:
Sawdust Av 1 lane 242 Sawdust Av washout
Kallop Rd and Hickory Bush (passenger cars only) low hanging wires
Binnewater Rd between Lucas Av and Williams Lake
Creek Locks Rd between Main St and DeWitt Lake Rd

Saugerties:
Route 32 at town line
Route 32A at Route 32
Route 212 between Pine Ln and Terra Rd
Clint Finger Rd
Lighthouse Dr
Reservoir Rd
Route 212 between Blue Mt and Glasco Trpk
Phillips Rd
Manorville Rd

Shandaken:
Route 28 just West of Route 212- Bridge 1 lane
Oliveria Rd people at full moon resort and Alpine INN
Route 214 one lane closed just North of the Phoenicia Firehouse
Route 42 between Ulster and Greene County lines
South under Route 28 bridge

Shawangunk:
River Rd between Hulse St and Birch Rd
Lippencot Rd between Albany Post and Bruyn Tnpk
Bruyn Tnpk between Albany Post Rd and Hoagerburgh Rd
Ulsterville Rd between Burlingham and Orange County Line
Burlingham Rd at the Sullivan County line
Quannacut Rd near the dead end
Sinsabaugh Rd near Route 52
Jansen Rd between Indian Springs Rd and Awosting Rd
Mountain Rd between Jansen Rd and Redder Rd
Oregon Trail at Sellet Rd

Ulster:
Sandy Rd
Sawkill Ruby Rd between Hallihan Hill Rd and Anita Ct.

Wawarsing:
Ulster Heights from Village Line to Marcus Rd

Woodstock:
Mink Hollow Rd – Vanhoagland to End
Rock City Rd – Lower Byrdcliffe to Glasco Trnp
Meade Moutain Rd – Mid Mountain Way to – Day Rd
Zena Rd – Route 212 to Sawkill Rd
Plochman Rd – Route 212 to Bob White
Sawkill Rd between Zena Rd and Highwoods Rd
Van Dale – Near Niles
Silver Hollow Rd
Glasco Trnpk between Rock City Rd and Shady




Bridge Closures


Drummomd Falls Rd - Off Route 32 - Saugerties
Manorville Rd – At Intersection of Ralph Vedder Rd - Saugerties

Assessment and reimbursements for homeowners and businesses

We are fielding a number of calls regarding the process of obtaining reimbursements for damages. Please follow these steps to ensure your damages are reported and will yield you the most benefit:

No decision has been made on a federal disaster declaration. Do not call FEMA.
We are working through local building departments to compile a list of damaged properties. The towns have the forms to be filled out by residents and returned to the towns.
In the meantime, homeowners should contact their insurance companies; take photos to document damage; keep receipts of all monies expended.
Once a "case" can be made, a preliminary damage assessment can be requested by a FEMA/OEM team.
The results of this will determine our eligibility.
IF we are declared, the homeowner can fill out a formal FEMA application in person, on line or over the phone.

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 10

Good evening
All rivers and streams have crested. The Upper Esopus crested 12' above flood stage, the Lower Esopus at 7' above at Chandler Drive and 5 ' above at Mt Marion, the Rondout at 9' above and the Wallkill at 6' above flood stage.
Full focus has turned to recovery.
All Highway Superintendents and Town Supervisor have been asked to assist with damage assessments. PDAs will commence with evidence supported by damage assessments.
At 9 PM, Central Hudson customers and 3,563 NSEG customers are without power
Dry ice and water are available from Central Hudson at Lake Katrine and the Rosendale Recreation Center. NYSEG is distributing dry ice at the Margaretville firehouse for their Shandaken customers .
Shelters are available at the Belleayre Ski Center, the Senior Residence at Benedictine Hospital and the Napanoch firehouse.
Today 20 mutual aid fire units from as far away as Erie County assisted Ulster County Fire Departments with pump outs and opening roads
The ban on driving was lifted at 6 PM this date.
Extreme caution must still be used - do not drive in flooded roadways. Far too many rescuers have been put at unnecessary risk because people continue to drive in flood waters.
Do not go near downed power lines.
Upon returning to a flooded home, ensure structural integrity, the absence of gas buildup (propane and/or natural), and potentially still energized utilities.
Throw away all contaminated food and medications.
Well water should be tested prior to drinking.
Current list of road closures follows.

ROAD CLOSURE LIST
New Paltz:
Libertyville Rd from Route 299 to Albany Post Rd
Mountain Rest Rd from Canaan to Springtown
Sunset Ridge at Route 32 N
Plains Rd from Water St to Woodland Dr
Horsenden Rd from Route 32N to North Putt
Springtown Rd from Route 299 to Dug Rd
Route 32S from Enterprise Dr to Brookside Rd
Schriebers Ln at Deerfield Dr
Water St from Plains Rd to Main St
Huguenot St at the NP Golf Course
Route 32N northbound lane at Sunset Ridge and Ann St
Old Kingston Rd from Huegenot st to Gun Club Rd
Elliots Lne from Box 65 Eastbound
Jansen Rd at Route 208
South Ohioville Rd at the “pond”
Brookside Rd
Dubois Rd at Sarafian Rd
Shawangunk:
Route 300 between Rte 208 and Plains Rd – not closed , down to one lane
River Rd between Hulse St and Birch Rd
Lippencot Rd between Albany Post and Bruyn Tnpk
Bruyn Tnpk between Albany Post Rd and Hoagerburgh Rd
Hoagerburgh Rd between Greising Rd and Flurry Rd
New Prospect Rd between Bruynswick Rd and Indian Springs Rd
Ulsterville Rd between Burlingham and Orange County Line
Burlingham Rd at the Sullivan County line
Awosting Rd between Decker and Sheldon
Quannacut Rd near the dead end
Sinsabaugh Rd near Route 52
Jansen Rd between Indian Springs Rd and Awosting Rd
Mountain Rd between Jansen Rd and Redder Rd
Oregon Trail at Sellet Rd
Rosendale:
Route 32 at Romanus Street
Route 32 at Washington Av
Route 32 at Wallkill River Bridge
Lucas Av between Rosendale School and Legget Rd
Sawdust Av between Cottekill Rd and Circle Av
Esopus:
Route 213 between Old Post Rd and Route 32
Route 213 between William White and Carney
Lloyd:
Route 44/55 between Picnic Woods Rd and South St
Marlboro:
Route 9w at Perkinsville Rd
Wawarsing/Rochester/Marbletown:
Route 209 from Old Route 209 up to Whitelands Rd (Open between Route 44/55 and Main St Accord)
Hurley/Woodstock:
Wynkoop near green bridge
Schoolhouse/Russell
Shandaken:
Route 28 just West of Route 212- Bridge Closed
Oliveria rRd = people at full moon resort and Alpine INN
Route 214 NB by Phoenicia Firehouse
Saugerties:
Route 32 at Fawn Rd
Route 32A at Route 32
Route 212 between Pine Ln and Terra Rd
Clint Finger Rd
Lighthouse Dr
Reservoir Rd
Route 212 between Blue Mt and Glasco Trpk
Phillips Rd
Glasco Trpk between Timberwall and John Joy
Route 9W between Route 32 and Glasco Trpk (In area of Trinity Ct)
Wawarsing:
Ulster Heights from Village Line to Marcus Rd
Ulster:
Route 32 between Tuytenbridge and Kukuk Lane
Sandy Rd
Wiedy Rd
Maxwell Ln
Potter Hill Rd at Old Stage Rd
Lynette Blvd at Hillside
Hurley Mt at Gallis Hill
Ulster Landing at Castaways
Route 32 at Resource Recovery
Sawkill Rd in area of Heritage Energy
Bridge on Old Kings Hwy near Sheehan Ln
Route 28 – WB Lane 1 Ln From Hurley Mtn Rd to Forest Hill Rd
Plattekill:
South St at Lewis Ln
Route 44/55
Alhuesen Rd from Route 32 end
Woodstock:
Mink Hollow Rd – Vanhoagland to End
Route 375 between Risely & Ratterman
Rock City Rd – Lower Byrdcliffe to Glasco Trnp
Meade Moutain Rd – Mid Mountain Way to – Day Rd
Zena Rd – Route 212 to Sawkill Rd
Plochman Rd – Route 212 to Bob White
Sawkill Rd
Van Dale – Near Niles
Silver Hollow Rd
Zena Highwoods

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 9

There are about 60,000 customers of both Central Hudson and NYSEG without power this evening (out of a total of about 95,000). Obviously there is extensive damage to their distribution network which will take some time to repair. The utilities have not established dry ice and water distribution locations yet.

The County's State of Emergency remains in effect and was supplemented by a Special Order that restricted travel to essential services. The following towns have also issued SOEs: Ellenville (Village), Gardiner, Hardenburgh, Kingston (Town), Marbletown, Marlboro, New Paltz (Town & Village), Plattekill, Rochester, Rosendale, Shandaken, Shawangunk, Ulster and Wawarsing.

A significant number of rescues and evacuations are still being conducted at this hour. Fire Departments have performed hundreds of cellar pumps. Ulster County emergency service resources are being augmented by personnel from as far away as Erie County.

Roads throughout the county remained clogged with downed trees and wires. This is a good point to re-emphasize the need to be cautious around downed electric wires. Roads throughout the county are washed out, bridges are just plain gone, and the entire infrastructure in some areas needs to be replaced.

Shelters remain open at Belleayre Ski Center, Benedictine Hospital's Senior Residence, SUNY New Paltz, and Kerhokson / Napanoch fire stations.

We really need to capture damage assessments. Thank you to those of you who have already provide this information. If you have not done so, I respect you are busy, but if you could take a few moments to e-mail me with your damages it would be appreciated. We also need to know about Individual Assistance damage as well (homes and businesses).

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 8

Several towns have issued States of Emergency. Joining previously declared towns are Gardiner, Ulster, Wawarsing and Ellenville.

Numerous evacuations, as well as rescues are taking place.

Roads are closed across the County.

The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service projects that most streams in Ulster will go to major or even record flood stages. Flood warnings have been issued for all major bodies of water.

Power outages will be a huge problem for some time. At this moment there are approximately 40,000 of 93,000 Central Hudson and NYSAC customers are without power. Extreme caution must be used due to the number of downed trees and wires.

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 7

Heavy rain and strong winds have battered the county all night.
Doppler radar estimates of 3+ inches of rain in portions of the County thus far.
Currently there are at least 12,000 Central Hudson and 2,200 NYSEG customers without power.

The Town of Rochester has declared a state of emergency and issued a special order for no traffic on any town roads.

Please review previously released tips on power outages and downed lines.

When safe to do so, damage reports should be e-mailed to this office.

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 6

Flash flood warning until 8:15 AM. An additional 2-4 inches of rain could fall during this period.

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 5

Tropical Storm Warning continues
There is an isolated threat of tornadoes
Major to record flooding expected
A slightly westward movement of the storm has been noted.

An additional shelter has been established at the Kerhokson firehouse.
Emergency sheltering is also available at all Town of Rochester firehouses and ambulance building.

The Town and Village of New Paltz have jointly declared a state of emergency.

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 4

Good afternoon,
Here's the latest information:

Weather:
Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch in effect
Still looking for 4-8 inches of rain with up to 10 inches in the higher elevations
"Moderate to Major" flooding expected
Flash Flooding is likely. Flash flood guidance:
1-3 inches of rain in 1 hour will produce flash flooding
2-4 inches of rain in 6 hours
3-4 inches of rain in 12 hours
1-2 inches of rain in 1 hour in urban areas
Advance Hydrologic Prediction Service projects the following crests
Current level Flood stage Projected crest
Upper Esopus - Coldbrook 4.9 11 16.5
Chandler Dr 136.4 146
Lower Esopus - Mt Marion 14.55 20 23.7
Wallkill - Gardiner 3.39 13 16.6
Rondout - Rosendale 9.61 18 21
Reservoir levels - Ashokan 93.7%; Rondout 95.5%
Winds expected to be 35-50 MPH with gusts from 60-70; most severe winds will be 9 AM to 6 PM Sunday
Storm expected to be out of here by late night Sunday
Dry for recovery in the early part of next week

Power:
CHG&E rep will be in this office
Depending on extent of damage, outages may last several days or longer
In addition to CH crews, they have mutual aid from as far away as Kansas. They have an additional 30 crews, plus 40 line clearing crews, and have retained contract crews for this storm
Information on restoration times will be delayed pending a full assessment of the extent of damage
While restoration will begin on Sunday, it is anticipated that work will begin in earnest on Monday
Central Hudson will be obtaining dry ice and bottled water; distribution locations TBD based on worst damage

Other issues:
State of Emergency remains in effect for Ulster County, no specific special orders issued
Shelter locations (all opening at 8 PM tonight). Please bring pillow, blanket and personal hygiene items
SUNY New Paltz - Health & Wellness Center
Belleayre Ski Center
Benedictine Hospital Senior Residence
Wawarsing Ellenville - TBD
The law enforcement community has coordinated their efforts
The UCSO dive team will be split geographically to maximize capacity
All fire departments will have their stations manned effective 8 PM tonight for the duration of the incident
Most EMS squads are also staffing in quarters
New York State OEM reports
3,000 National Guard troops already activated, another 2,000 on Monday
31 Navy ships heading up from Virginia will be off coast of LI
104 tractor trailers of supplies enroute to state

***Special request to each town - please provide me with an on-going damage assessment via e-mail. I don't want anyone out in the dangerous part of the storm, but once conditions are safe and assessments begin to take place, please forward the information so that we can get a good handle on the extent of damage and assistance that may be needed.*** Thank you
Art

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 3

Good afternoon
Please see previous updates for still applicable storm preparation tips. Following is the latest information on preparations for Irene and forecast:

Preparations:
At 8 AM this morning, County Executive Michael Hein declared a state of emergency for Ulster County. This declaration allows Ulster County to take those actions necessary to protect life and property. The declaration does NOT automatically ban driving or affect other activities (although driving during the storm is strongly discouraged). Special orders MAY be issued, but this has not yet happened.
County departments are making preparations to continue their essential services in light of the hurricane and to continue to meet the needs of Ulster County residents.
Emergency service personnel continue their preparations to respond to hurricane related issues.
Shelters will be established at the following locations:
Belleayre Mtn Ski Center - will become operational at 8 PM Saturday evening
SUNY New Paltz Health and Wellness Center - will be operational at 8 PM Saturday evening
Kingston site is yet to be determined
As previously discussed, resources will be in short supply, so sheltering facilities are limited. If you plan to go to a shelter, bring your own bedding (pillow and blanket) but not your pets (general population shelters cannot accommodate pets).
While utility companies are implementation their emergency response plans, realize that many people will be without power for days.
Flooded roadways will be closed. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS. Even after flooding subsides, highway personnel will have to check roads and bridges for structural integrity.
Specific local issues (such as the Walkway Over the Hudson) will be addressed with local officials.

Forecast:
Although the storm is still only moving at 14 MPH, it is expected to pick up speed and enter our area sooner than expected.
Irene is forecast to cross New York as a Category 1 hurricane. A Tropical Storm Watch and a Flood Watch have been posted for Ulster County.
Sustained winds of 30-45 MPH can be expected from about 2 AM to 7 PM Sunday with peak gusts of around 60 MPH Sunday afternoon.
Rainfall will begin by 8 PM Saturday evening and continue heavy for about 24 hours. Rains will continue during the overnight hours before tapering off early Monday. Total rainfall 4-7 inches with up to 10 inches over higher terrain.
Widespread flooding can be expected. The Upper Esopus is forecast to crest just under 15' (flood stage being 11'), the Lower Esopus at 23' (flood stage at 20'), the Rondout at 20' (flood stage at 18'). A projection for the Wallkill has not yet been issued. Additionally, I consider some of these estimates (especially the Upper Esopus) to be underdone; and the Rondout was modeled without Wallkill data.

Just because we may not be in the "cone" on a map, our area WILL feel the impacts of Irene. This is a huge storm - hundreds of miles wide - and the entire eastern seaboard from South Caroline north can expect heavy rain, wind, and if you have tidal influences a storm surge (even the Hudson will show some effects). Please prepare now and stay safe throughout the storm.
Art

Governor declares state of emergency

Governor Cuomo has issued a state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Irene. County Executive Mike Hein has indicated he will take similar action to assist in the response to this impending event.

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 2

Good afternoon
The preparedness & tips section below remains the same - we cannot overemphasize the need to prepare in advance of Irene. The current conditions and forecast sections have been updated to reflect the latest information.

Current local conditions:
Our rainfall total for August is already more than 1 1/2 inches greater than in the historical normal for August.
The overall level of the NYC reservoir system is about 9% above normal for this time of year. Currently the Ashokan is at 94% of capacity and the Rondout is at 97% of capacity. The NYC DEP has begun releasing 600 million gallons per day (MGD) through the waste channel at Ashokan. I've received some calls concerning the volume of the release. For perspective, this is the same volume that was released on a daily basis for several months earlier this year.

Forecast:
Most areas have seen light showers thus far today. While we will experience additional showers throughout the evening, the 1/2" total still looks good. However, this helps to saturate the ground before Irene's arrival and adds to the already high August rainfall total.
Most models are now moving the track farther west, increasing the impact for our area. There's still a great deal of uncertainty and potential deviation in the track.
The storm is still moving slowly - only about 14 MPH.
Rainfall will begin late Saturday night, heavy rain should be in place by daybreak on Sunday.
The general area could see Category 1 hurricane conditions with associated winds and the potential for 10 inches of rain. This would produce serious flooding.
Keep in mind the most severe winds are found in the northeast quadrant of a hurricane.
The National Weather Service office in Albany has not held a briefing on this storm. The information above is a compilation from the National Hurricane Center, NWS Binghamton and NWS Upton.
Flooding and power outages are the most likely hazards we will be faced with.

Storm preparations & Tips:
Subscribe to NY Alert (www.NYALERT.gov) to get the latest watches and warnings direct from the National Weather Service.
Have a family disaster plan.
Be especially conscious to look out for the elderly, disabled and children.
Have a plan for your pets (pets are not allowed in general population shelters).
Be prepared for extended power outages. Have a supply of batteries, a battery operated radio, and flashlights (avoid the use of candles whenever possible due to the fire hazard).
Have enough potable water for each person (one gallon per person, per day).
Have a quantity of nonperishable food (and a manual can opener).
Have a first aid kit and extra medications on hand.
Have a small quantity of cash on hand in case ATM machines are without power.
Heed all official warnings including orders to evacuate.
Never drive through flooded roadways - Turn Around, Don't Drown!
Consider all down wires to be energized.
Never run a generator or charcoal cooking appliance indoors (great danger of carbon monoxide poisoning).
The Red Cross is developing sheltering plans that will be finalized as the exact strike area is more clearly identified. Please keep in mind the wide area of impact will affect the availability of all resources - Red Cross, utilities, etc.
Follow the advice of ready.gov - Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.

This is a very serious storm that bears close watching over the next few days. Prepare NOW!
Art

Hurricane Irene Advisory # 1

Good evening,
We've all been watching Irene develop over the last few days, and we will continue to watch her over the next few. It is certainly not too early to make preparations, even though the exact track of the storm is yet to be determined. Here are some relevant points to consider:

Current local conditions:
Our rainfall total for August is already more than 1 1/2 inches greater than in the historical normal for August.
The overall level of the NYC reservoir system is about 9% above normal for this time of year. Currently the Ashokan is at 94% of capacity and the Rondout is at 97% of capacity.

Forecast:
On Thursday we are looking for an additional 1/2" of rain (more in thunderstorms). This will add to the already high August rainfall total.
For most of the day models were taking the track of the storm slightly off the coast (the farther off shore the less impact on inland areas like Ulster). However, the latest models are moving the storm slightly westward. This will be a moving target throughout the event.
The exact track will determine the amount of rainfall and severity of the winds. Keep in mind the most severe winds are found in the northeast quadrant of a hurricane.
The National Weather Service office in Albany warns of a potential 5" of rain in the eastern areas of their coverage area (the far eastern region for them is Litchfield Connecticut). NWS Binghamton warns the greatest impact for their region will be the Poconos and Catskills. NWS Upton is deferring to the National Hurricane Center which hasn't projected storm totals for our area yet.
Flooding and power outages are the most likely hazards we will be faced with.

Storm preparations & Tips:
Subscribe to NY Alert (www.NYALERT.gov) to get the latest watches and warnings direct from the National Weather Service.
Have a family disaster plan.
Be especially conscious to look out for the elderly, disabled and children.
Have a plan for your pets (pets are not allowed in general population shelters).
Be prepared for extended power outages. Have a supply of batteries, a battery operated radio, and flashlights (avoid the use of candles whenever possible due to the fire hazard).
Have enough potable water for each person (one gallon per person, per day).
Have a quantity of nonperishable food (and a manual can opener).
Have a first aid kit and extra medications on hand.
Have a small quantity of cash on hand in case ATM machines are without power.
Heed all official warnings including orders to evacuate.
Never drive through flooded roadways - Turn Around, Don't Drown!
Consider all down wires to be energized.
Never run a generator or charcoal cooking appliance indoors (great danger of carbon monoxide poisoning).
The Red Cross is developing sheltering plans that will be finalized as the exact strike area is more clearly identified. Please keep in mind the wide area of impact will affect the availability of all resources - Red Cross, utilities, etc.
Follow the advice of ready.gov - Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed.

The caveat, as all forecasters will say, is the exact track of the storm may very well change over the next few days which will affect the amount of precipitation and the strength of the winds. Another update will be provided tomorrow.
Art

Heroes Among Us Picnic and Awards Ceremony

The Ulster County Recruitment and Retention Program is pleased to announce the 1st annual Heroes Among Us Picnic and Awards Ceremony. This is a family event dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary efforts and accomplishments of our emergency services community. The event will be held on September 24, 2011 at the Ulster County Sojourner Truth Park, 916 Ulster Landing Road, Saugerties. The event runs from noon until 4 PM with the awards ceremony at 1:30 PM. The keynote address will be given by John Gibb, the Retired Commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Awards will be presented by Mike Hein, Ulster County Executive. **The number of attendees from each agency should be reported by your organization's leader no later than September 5, 2011.**

Assistance to Firefirghters Grants

The 2011 AFG program begins on August 15 and runs through September 9. Information can be found at: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm

First alarm newsletter August 2011

To: All Ulster County Emergency Services
From: Art Snyder
Date: July 21, 2011
Re: Radio system / Narrowbanding

Our efforts to implement a new radio system are being severely hampered by an inability to identify available frequencies. Blue Wing Services, our consultant, has been researching VHF, UHF and 700/800 bandwidths. Unfortunately, they are finding it very difficult to identify a sufficient number of frequencies in any one bandwidth.

One of the problems is our geographic location. The proximity of Ulster County to the New York metropolitan area means there are an abundance of users, all taking up large parts of the spectrum. And any frequency providing countywide coverage in Ulster would certainly have an impact on existing users. The other problem is that when the FCC auctioned off spectrum, a number of speculators purchased frequencies at rock bottom prices and are now in the business of cashing in on their investment. Despite this, we are not closing the door on purchasing the necessary channels. The bottom line is that our options for a radio system are going to be driven to a significant extent by what spectrum is available, not necessarily what spectrum is optimal.

I had hoped to be able to combine compliance with FCC mandated narrowbanding with an ultimate system solution – thus avoiding making changes now for narrowbanding and later for a new radio system. However, this will not be possible. To comply with the narrowbanding mandate we have submitted license modification requests to the FCC and are working with our vendors to modify our existing equipment. All agencies operating on County owned channels in the targeted spectrum (150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz) must determine which of their mobiles, portables and pagers are capable of accepting the 12.5 kHz spacing of narrowband, and make plans to reprogram or replace as required. We will advise of the timeline for converting the County system prior to the deadline.

For those agencies with private channels in the affected bandwidth that have not yet begun to prepare for the January 1, 2013 deadline to implement narrowbanding, the following websites provide a wealth of information:
www.fcc.gov/narrowbanding
www.dhses.ny.gov/oiec/technical-resources/

If I can be of assistance in this process, please don’t hesitate to call.