[emo-news] State of Emergency - Chenango County

[Emergency Management News - Norwich, NY]

City of Norwich/Chenango County Joint
EmergencyOperations Center
18 East Main Street
Norwich, New York 13815
(607) 334-1299/(607) 334-3728
(607) 336-2080 (fax) 

 
Media
Release
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
NORWICH– Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard B.
Decker has declared a State of Emergency for Chenango County due to the snow storm currently
impacting our area.  The order directs
the following:
 
·         A TRAVEL ADVISORY is in
effect until 7 p.m. today.  A travel
advisory means that no unnecessary travel is recommended and residents should
be making plans to complete their activities.
·         A ROAD CLOSURE ORDER is in
effect from 7 p.m. today until 6 a.m. on Friday, February 26.  This means travel on any road in Chenango County is restricted to emergency
vehicles only.  
·         The Chenango County Office Building will be closing
at 3 p.m. today.
 
The
National Weather Service in Binghamton advises
that Chenango County will experience snowfall amounts
in the range of 10 to 20 inches, with winds increasing tonight to 15 to 25 mph and  gusts approaching 35 mph.  This will create near blizzard-like
conditions and make travel on the roads unsafe.
 
Road
crews are working hard to keep up with the snow that is currently falling.  However, the weather service reports that
snow will continue to increase today with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches
between 4 p.m. and midnight.  Later this
evening the winds will also increase, creating the potential for power outages
that could further compromise travel on the roads due to downed trees and power
lines.
 
Residents
are advised to begin making preparations and to reach their final destinations
as soon and as safely as possible.
 
The
Chenango County Emergency Management Office offers the following tips for
residents:
 
·         When driving do not crossed downed wires.  They may shock you through the vehicle.  Report them to your utility or call 911 if
they pose an immediate danger.
·         Don’t touch downed wires to see if they are hot.  Assume the line is live.
·         Clean your vehicle completely of snow and ice before driving.

·         Never follow a snow plow too closely or attempt to pass one.
·         Always match your speed to the road conditions.
·         Run generators outside and 25 feet downwind of structures.  Carbon monoxide gas from their exhaust will
spread through closed spaces.
·         Bridge surfaces are often slippery as they freeze before the roadway.
·         Cold weather strains your heart.  Heavy exertion shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing cars increases
your risk of heart attack.
·         Taken frequent rest to avoid exertion.
 
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