Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef described Hurricane Sandy as the worst storm in more than a century and urged residents to exercise caution as the clean up got underway on Tuesday.
“Hurricane Sandy hit Rockland County very hard, and resulted in many downed trees, property damage, widespread power outages and unfortunately one confirmed fatality,” said Vanderhoef. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim and all those who suffered damage to their homes and property.”
Vanderhoef discussed many aspects of the storm and its impact on the community.
He urged residents to continue to use caution especially when considering Halloween activities because of extensive power outage, number of downed power lines and trees.
“With Halloween approaching, parents should exercise extreme caution and common sense when deciding if their neighborhood is safe for children to trick-or-treat,” he said. “Parents may want to consider alternative Halloween activities such as small gatherings or parties inside the home.”
According to Orange and Rockland Utilities’ updated report Tuesday afternoon, 74,500 customers in the county are without electricity. According to Vanderhoef, O&R expects the majority of customers to have power restored within the next 10 days, although some customers may not have electricity for a longer period of time.
Vanderhoef also issued the following updates:
- The Emergency Operations Center in Pomona is fully operational and coordinating hurricane with local, state and federal authorities.
- Piermont emergency officials requested all Piermont residents to honor a 6 p.m. curfew Tuesday.
- The Westchester Department of Health notified Rockland County that partially treated sewage entered the Hudson River. As a result, the Rockland County Department of Health is advised Rocklanders not to use the Hudson River for recreational purposes until further notice.
- United Water issued a boil water advisory for the following areas of West Nyack: Jeffrey Court, Samantha Way, Dora Court and Snake Hill Road, Old Mill Road between Strawtown Road and Branchville Road as well as Strawtown Road between Demarest Ave and Old Mill Road.
- The county and Red Cross set up a shelter at the Rockland Community College field house that is pet-friendly.
- Residents who use oxygen and do not have electricity should contact friends and family for help or Summit Park Hospital at 364-2771. After 5 p.m., call 364-2910 or 364-2762 and ask security to page the nursing supervisor. Residents concerned about their supply of oxygen should contact their supplier, or call 362-1793 or 362-1075.
