Rockland Emergency Center Up and Running [UPDATE]

The Rockland County Emergency Operations Center is gearing up this morning for changing conditions later in the day. The most noticeable feature of Hurricane Sandy’s approach is the increasing winds. 

“We’re assessing the situation,” said Chris Jensen, program coordinator with the Rockland County’s Office of Fire & Emergency Management.  “We’re getting ready to ride out the storm.”

As of 7 a.m., all roads were open, no power outages had been reported and county government offices were scheduled to open. Jensen said several shelters were already established for residents from flood prone areas. The Stony Point Ambulance building was housing 30 residents evacuated from a trailer park in Grassy Point. The Piermont Firehouse and Sloatsburg Ambulance building were also open for residents needing a place to stay.

The county executive declared a State of Emergency in Rockland effective at 6 p.m. on Sunday.  No emergency orders have been issued as a result of the declaration.

Jensen said Rockland Community College was prepared to open up as a countywide shelter and has been opened as a Red Cross Shelter.  Jensen said any travel should take place in the morning before conditions worsen.

“Ideally it would be beneficial if people could stay home and prepare for the storm,” he advised.  “If people have to go out on the road, get it done early.”