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Cuomo outlines flood preparedness in Western New York

by jmaloni

Press release

Sat, Nov 22nd 2014 07:00 pm

State emergency operations center continuing to monitor situation in anticipation of rising temperatures

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today highlighted flood preparedness measures at New York's emergency response headquarters in Alden. The region is experiencing rising temperatures following days of record-setting snowfall, leading to a strong possibility of significant flooding. In anticipation of this scenario, Cuomo has directed state agencies to take every precaution to protect residents and minimize damage to the impacted communities.

"With the possibility of flooding in areas already hit hard by major snowfall over the past few days, we have launched a massive deployment of emergency personnel and resources to Western New York," Cuomo said. "We have mobilized resources from across the state - including more than 500 National Guard members, hundreds of pumps and hundreds of thousands of sandbags - and we are taking every precaution to keep these communities safe."

Road Closures and Travel Bans

Even though some roads have opened, motorists should be advised heavy equipment is still operating to remove snow. Drive with caution. I-90 has reopened with the exception of Exit 57A. I-190 is open with the exception of Exits 1-5 due to local traffic bans. Travel bans continue in: Town of Alden, Village of Alden and City of Buffalo (south of Seneca Street).

Emergency Equipment and Personnel

In anticipation of possible flooding as temperatures rise, the governor has directed state agencies to redeploy resources to better assist impacted communities. Equipment and personnel has been mobilized from across the state, including:

  • 51 boats from DEC, parks and state fire 
  • 29 high-axle vehicles and more than 500 personnel from the National Guard
  • 375 total pumps from DEC, OGS, DHSES, PANY, DOT, thruway, canals and parks
  • 176,500 sandbags and three sandbaggers
  • 69,000 bottles of water, and 5,300 meals-ready-to-eat.
  • 30 light towers
  • One portable Water Buffalo (500-gallon tank)
  • 13,000 MREs are being prepared for deployment from the Oriskany stockpile

A flood watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning for the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and Wyoming. Smaller streams and creeks will be prone to flooding from snowmelt, including creeks that flow through the Buffalo Metro area. Towns that received significant amounts of snow will also have potential for urban flooding from the snowmelt.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation is using FEMA floodplain maps to identify flood-prone areas, including creeks and streams, where snowmelt and rain could cause damaging flooding. DEC, in conjunction with the National Weather service, will monitor flood gages on creeks, streams and rivers in Western New York to assess flooding risks. DEC also is monitoring 13 wastewater treatment plants in Erie County and one in Wyoming County, based on risk conditions. Trained environmental conservation officers are on hand to respond to emergencies.

The state emergency operations center, which has been monitoring the storm since the governor activated it Monday evening, is staffed by a multitude of state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (with staff from the office of emergency management as well as the office of fire prevention and control), Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Thruway, State Police, Public Service Commission and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and office of general services.

Home Flood Safety Information:

•If flooding of a home or business has already occurred or is about to occur, customers should contact their utility companies to have electricity and natural gas service turned off. In the event of flooding, customers should never attempt to turn off electricity and natural gas service. As a precaution prior to any flood, customers should check their basement drains to make sure they are clear and energized wires are off the floor.

•Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard; natural gas service in a flooded basement also may pose a danger.

•To have electricity service restored once flood waters have receded, customers should contact an electrician to make sure it is safe to have electricity service turned on before contacting their utility. If the main fuse box or circuit breaker box has been under water, it must be inspected by a certified electrical inspector before service can be restored. Someone must be present for service to be turned on, the basement must be free of water, and the electrical panel must be clean and free of debris. Customers and contractors never should attempt to turn on electricity service.

•To have natural gas service restored once floodwaters have receded: If the natural gas meter and/or regulator were under water, customers must first contact their natural gas company. If any natural gas equipment (furnace, boiler, water heater, etc.) has been under water, customers need to contact a plumbing and heating contractor to have the equipment checked. Customers can then contact their natural gas company to have service restored. Customers and contractors should never attempt to turn on natural gas service.

Additional Safety Tips:

•If a gas odor is present, the customer should leave the premises immediately and then call the utility or 911 from a different location. Do not use any appliances or operate any electrical switches if a gas odor is present. Utility representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive emergency calls.

•Stay away from downed power lines. Even lines that appear "dead" can be deadly.

•Be extremely cautious when clearing snow off roofs. Also be alert to any signs the snow load on structures could cause roofs to collapse.

Use caution and proper procedures when operating generators and temporary portable heating equipment:

•Locate your generator in a well-ventilated area. Never run it inside, even in your garage. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, and the fumes can be deadly.

•Plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy duty, properly grounded extension cords. Make sure extension cords are not frayed or worn. Do not connect your power generator directly to your home's main fuse box or circuit panel.

•Limit the number of appliances you use to no more than the recommended wattage of the generator. Read all instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

•Use the generator only when necessary, and don't overload it. Turn it off at night while you sleep and when you are away from home to avoid a possible fire hazard.

Emergency Contact Information

New York State Electric & Gas:

  • To report electricity emergency or power outage, call 800-572-1131.
  • To report natural gas emergency or odor of gas, call 800-572-1121.

National Fuel Gas:

  • To report natural gas emergency or odor of gas, call 800-444-3130 immediately.
  • Once any water has subsided, call 800-365-3234, for company to test and restore service.

National Grid:

  • To report electricity emergency or power outage, call 800-867-5222.
  • To report natural gas emergency or odor of gas, call 800-892-2345.
  • For general questions about safety and service, call 800-642-4272.

Individuals in need of licensed plumbers and electricians can contact their local utility:

  • New York State Electric & Gas: 800-572-1111
  • National Fuel Gas: 716-686-6123
  • National Grid: 800-642-4272

Important Flood Safety Information

Act now to be prepared

Before:

•Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.

•Develop and practice a "family escape" plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.

•Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.

•Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.

•Plan what to do with your pets.

•Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.

•Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

•Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.

•Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.

During:

•Monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Weather Radio or your local radio and TV station broadcasts for information.

•If local officials advise evacuation, do so promptly.

•If directed to a specific location, go there.

•Know where the shelters are located.

•Bring outside possessions inside the house or tie them down securely. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects.

•Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.

Travel:

•Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.

•Make sure you have enough fuel for your car.

•Follow recommended routes. Do not sightsee.

•As you travel, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local radio broadcasts for the latest information.

•Watch for washed-out roads, earth-slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.

•Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges and low areas.

•Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.

•Do not underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving floodwater will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

•If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

The Department of Environmental Conservation advises owners of commercial and residential fuel oil tanks located in flood-prone areas to take precautions to minimize risk for flooding of the tank. Check tanks for the following (a tank contractor may be needed to check the tank and make any needed improvements):

•The tank should be protected from floating or toppling over by floodwaters or high winds;

•The tank should be protected from falling limbs, floating debris or high currents;

•Connections to the tank (fill pipe, vent, gauge, bungs) should be water tight;

•If the fill port or top of the vent could be flooded, the cap to the fill pipe should be securely fastened and the vent pipe should be extended to above the worst-case water level.

These precautions should also be taken for underground tanks or tanks in basements.

In the Event of an Oil Spill

If your home is affected by a flood that causes an oil spill in or near your home, you should contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation spill hotline immediately at 1-800-457-7362 to report the spill.

In some cases, the oil mixes with the water that floods your home. If so, do not pump the water out into your yard. The oil may spread and contaminate other areas, including nearby wells, water bodies and homes.

If a layer of oil is on water in a basement, you can minimize the amount of oil spread on walls and floors and the amount of other damage to your property by removing the oil before pumping the water out.

•For an oil film, absorbent pads may be sufficient to collect the oil.

•For a thicker layer of oil, a vacuum truck may be necessary to skim the oil off the water.

Oil spills can also contaminate indoor air. The State Department of Health is available to answer questions at 518-402-7810 or 800-458-1158. After hours and on weekends, call 1-866-881-2809. Oil-contaminated debris or material contaminated with other petroleum products should be segregated and stored in a well-ventilated area. If stored outdoors, piles should be covered to keep precipitation from contaminating nearby soil and water. Any chemical or oil spills, such as from oil home heating tanks, must be reported to DEC through the spill hotline. For more information on steps to minimize the damage and finish the cleanup quickly, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/oil_spill_flood.htm

 

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