Date:     August 25, 2010
Re:         Special Newsletter on Hurricane Irene

Dear Residents,

In anticipation of the approaching storm, I would like to provide you with some important information.

The Village of Dobbs Ferry has been in contact with the County's Emergency Management Office in preparation for the storm.  We are all preparing the best we can.  Please read the following information very carefully.

Anticipating a tidal surge all vehicles should be removed from Waterfront Park by 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27th . 

Hurricane safety checklist
 
Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours.  Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning – Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS)
• Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
• Bring in or tie down anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture.
• Turn  the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.

• Water – At least 3-7 day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food – At least a 3-7 day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight Battery powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7 day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and perssonal hygiene items
• Copies of personal  documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone  with chargers
• Extra cash
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys

• Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the Police Department.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
• Inspect your home for damage.  Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
• Use flashlights in the dark. DO NOT USE CANDLES.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage.  If in doubt, throw it out.
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

What You Can Do
 
Get important information to the right places:

For EMERGENCIES:  Call 911 for Police/Fire/Ambulance.

For NON- EMERGENCIES: Call the Dobbs Ferry Police at 693-5500 to report fallen  trees, downed wires, blocked roads and other service related calls.
 
If you lose power or want to report an electrical problem, call Con Ed’s toll-free number,        1-800-75CONED (1-800-752-6633).

WFAS (AM 1230)(FM 103.9)
News 12

Village emergency news will be broadcasted on radio station WFAS (AM 1230) (FM 103.9) and televised on Cable News 12. News 12 is also available on the internet at www.news12.com.  Information may also be posted on the Village’s website, www.dobbsferry.comand televised on the local public access Channel 75.

Police barricades and other road closure markers or devices are put in place to protect you in an emergency.  DO NOT put yourself or your neighbors at risk by removing barricades or entering closed roadways.

Regards,

Mayor Connett