Advises Residents to Stock up on Flashlights, Batteries and Other Essentials
With an active hurricane season predicted for this year, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is urging residents to review their emergency plans and stock up on critical supplies in case severe weather strikes in Westchester. Latimer suggested residents prepare in advance, because flashlights, batteries, canned food and other non-perishable foods often fly off the shelves when severe weather is imminent.
Latimer said: “The best time to stock up is when those emergency items are more readily available. In the same way, the best time to pack a go-bag is before a real emergency creates the need to have one.”
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Weather Service has predicted that the 2024 Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Basin will likely be more active than usual. Between 17 and 25 total named storms are projected, including eight to 13 forecast to become hurricanes.
County emergency responders recommend residents set aside several days’ worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine, and keep other critical supplies on hand like flashlights and batteries in case they are stuck in their homes without power. Residents should also have a “go-bag” ready in case they are asked to evacuate on short notice during an emergency.
Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services recommends that residents create an emergency preparedness kit that includes:
- Gallon of water per person per day;
- Three-day supply of canned, packaged or other shelf-stable, ready-to-eat foods that can be stored, including canned meats and fish, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal and granola, peanut butter, nuts, crackers and canned fruit or juice;
- Manual can opener and eating utensils;
- Flashlights and batteries;
- First aid kit;
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Westchester County Health Department Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Before any major storm hits, residents should make a list of their medications, charge their cellphones and laptops, and fill their vehicle gas tanks, too. Residents with oil tanks at home should top off their tanks and tighten the cap to prevent spills. Above-ground tanks should also be strapped to a secure fixture to prevent tipping in case of flooding.”
Amler said food and generator safety are essential during and after any power outage or emergency:
- Before a storm hits, set your refrigerator to the coldest setting to keep food fresh longer if you lose power.
- Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible. Do not assume refrigerated foods are safe.
- Foods that are fully frozen are safe to use.
- Foods that have warmed to room temperature for more than two hours or have come into contact with flood waters should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
- During a prolonged outage, discard these foods if they were not kept below 45 degrees Fahrenheit: meat, poultry, seafood, cold cuts, hot dogs, eggs, cream, sour cream, yogurt, milk, custards, puddings, soft and shredded cheeses, cut fruit, cooked vegetables, pasta, casseroles, unbaked cookie and bread dough, gravy, creamy salad dressings, fish sauces, hoisin sauce, opened spaghetti sauce and garlic in oil.
- After disposing of spoiled food, disinfect the refrigerator to avoid further contamination.
- Discard any cans of food that are rusted, dented or open.
- If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
- Storm clean-up can produce a great deal of garbage, which invites insects and rodents. Store your garbage in watertight, rodent/insect-proof containers with tight-fitting covers.
Commissioner Terrance Raynor of the Department of Public Safety reminded motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary during severe weather. Flash-flooding can quickly swamp vehicles and put motorists in significant danger.
Raynor said: “Over the years, County Police officers have responded to rescue numerous motorists who have been stranded in rising water when their cars have stalled on flooded roadways. In addition to likely damaging your vehicle, you may also be putting your life at risk.”
Residents and business owners with generators are reminded of the following safety tips:
- Never run a generator in a basement, garage, porch or carport. Generators produce carbon monoxide that can quickly be lethal indoors. Only operate a generator outdoors and away from open windows.
- Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading your generator can damage it and any appliances connected to it. Fire may result.
- If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
If you lose power, call Con Edison or NYS Electric and Gas directly. The phone numbers are: Con Ed power outage or gas and electrical service problems: (800) 75-CONED; NYSEG electricity power outage: (800) 572-1131; NYSEG gas power outage: (800) 572-1121.
Wishnie said families should also consider additional preparations to make for people with special needs or who care for the elderly, infants or pets. Family members also should plan for how they will communicate if local phone service is not available or is overwhelmed by high demand. Practical tips on these and other topics can be found at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/severe-weather or https://www.ready.gov/