NEW SHELTERS OPENED IN YONKERS
County urges residents to document damage, plan alternate routes for tomorrow’s commute

Westchester County officials are continuing to aid local communities in the storm recovery, and warn residents that they may need to find alternate routes to work tomorrow because the parkways may still be flooded.

Residents are also being asked to document any storm damage to improve the county’s chances of receiving federal disaster aid.

“The storm may be over, but it will take time to recover,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “Motorists should plan to take alternate routes to work tomorrow because roadways may still be flooded. We are also asking homeowners and businesses to document any damage by taking photos and saving receipts. This will improve our chances of getting federal aid.”

As of 5:45 p.m., portions of the Saw Mill River, Bronx River, Hutchinson River and Cross County Parkways are still closed because of the flooding. County officials do not know if the roadways will be open by tomorrow morning’s commute.

To help local victims of the storm, two new shelters have opened in Yonkers – at the Charles Cola Community Center at 945 N. Broadway and at the Coyne Park Community Center at 777 McLean Ave. Dry ice will also be distributed by Con Edison at Rye City Hall tomorrow at 10 a.m. at 1051 Boston Post Road. A shelter opened last night at Mamaroneck High School continues to be open tonight. That shelter served 208 people last night.

The county anticipates it will file for a federal disaster declaration to help local communities recover from the storm. It is important that residents and business owners document their damage, by taking photos and saving receipts. This will help the county’s chances of getting a federal disaster declaration.

Also, officials reminded residents that before Con Edison can restore power to areas where it was intentionally cut off due to flooding, several steps will need to be taken and that they may need to consult their local buildings departments.

Residents should also be wary of unscrupulous contractors, fraudulent charities, fake inspectors and other scams that often occur after natural disasters. Here are some tips:

• Make sure any contractor you hire is licensed and insured. You may be distraught about flood damage, but now is not the time to let your guard down and hire an unlicensed contractor. To find out if a contractor is licensed you can call the Department of Consumer Protection at 995-2155 or check online at www.westchestergov.com.
• Be especially wary of contractors who go door-to-door. These can be con artists who will rip you off.
• Check for references and complaint history - - not just for contractors but for other companies like carpet cleaners. Even though it's an emergency, you should still do the type of homework you would do under ordinary circumstances. It doesn't take long to make a few phone calls that can save you a lot of grief later on.
• Get everything in writing and don't give any money upfront.
• Beware that some contractors and other businesses such as carpet cleaners, tree-removal companies and towing companies may try to take advantage of the emergency by dramatically raising their prices. It's understandable that you want to hire someone quickly, but be patient and shop around. Don't be a victim of price gouging.
• Natural disasters such as floods are often followed by bogus charitable solicitations. Be generous but be careful. Make sure you're giving to a bona fide, registered charity.
• To report a complaint about a particular business, contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 914-995-2155.