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</span></font></b><b><i><font color="gray" size="7" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 42pt; font-family: Arial; color: gray; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NEWS</span></font></i></b><b><i><font color="#999999" size="7" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 42pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span></font></i></b><b><i><font size="6" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 24pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">from</span></font></i></b><b><i><font size="7" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 42pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> <font color="gray"><span style="color: gray;">SEMO</span></font></span></font></i><font color="gray"><span style="color:
gray;">
</span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font size="4" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial;"> NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OFFICE </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><font size="2" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22, Suite
101, Albany, NY 12226-2251</span></font></b><font face="Arial"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></font></p>
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<div style="border-style: solid none; border-color: windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1pt medium; padding: 1pt 0in;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5in;"><b><font size="1" face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">David
A. Paterson,
Governor
John
R. Gibb, Director</span></font></b><b><font size="1"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></font></b></p>
</div>
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</span></font><font size="2"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></font>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">NEW YORKERS ADVISED TO BE
PREPARED FOR SEASONAL FLOODING</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><i><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Flood
Awareness Week Observed in State March 15-21</span></font></i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This week’s late
winter rains, warming temperatures and shifting icepacks serve as a reminder to
New Yorkers to review their emergency plans to be prepared for flooding.</span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Coastal and inland
flooding is the number one natural threat in the State,” said John R.
Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO).
“At this time of year, snowmelt coupled with ice thaws and
much-welcomed warmed temperatures can cause flooding, sometimes with little or
no warning, and affect the safety of our residents, their homes and property,
and their communities.</span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“People should find
out how much of a threat flooding is to their location. Once they know how many
feet they are above or below flood levels, they need to pay attention to their
local radio and television broadcasts for information from local officials
regarding possible flood threats,” Gibb said. “One of the best ways
to stay informed is to subscribe to NY-ALERT, the State’s alert and
notification system, at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.nyalert.gov/">www.nyalert.gov</a>.”</span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Gibb offered this advice
as SEMO joined with the five National Weather Service offices in New York State
that are observing Flood Awareness Week, which begins Sunday and runs through
March 21.</span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The SEMO Director also
offered these following safety tips:</span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Learn the safest route from your
home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Develop an emergency plan and
identify a meeting place if family members become separated. Have emergency
supplies on hand.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Plan what to do with your pets.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="3" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></font></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">BEFORE
THE FLOOD</span></font></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Stay informed! Monitor the
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Radio
or your local radio and TV station broadcasts for information.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>If local officials advise
evacuation, do so promptly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>If directed to a specific
location, go there.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>If there is time, move essential
items and furniture to the upper floors of the house. Disconnect
electrical appliances that cannot be moved. Do not touch them if you are
wet or standing in water.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>If you are told to shut off water,
gases, or electrical services before leaving your home, then do so.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Secure your home: lock all doors
and windows.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></font></p>
<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">TRAVEL WITH CARE</span></font></u></b></p>
<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></font></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Leave early to avoid being
marooned on flooded roads. Follow recommended routes. Do not
sightsee.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>As you travel, monitor local radio
broadcasts for the latest information.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Watch for washed-out roads,
earthslides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and
falling or fallen objects.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Watch for areas where rivers or
streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low
areas.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Do not attempt to drive over a
flooded road. Turn around and go another way. Water moving at two
miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>If you are in your car and water
begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></font></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b><u><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">AFTER
THE FLOOD</span></font></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Stay informed! Listen to the
radio or TV for instructions from local officials.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Wait until an area has been
declared safe before entering it. Be careful driving, since roads may be
damaged and power lines may be down.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Before entering a building, check
for structural damage. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or
tank. Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping
gas. Upon entering the building, use a battery-powered flashlight.
Do not use an open flame as a source of light. Gas may be trapped inside.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>When inspecting the building, wear
rubber boots and gloves. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires
before making certain the main power switch is off.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Do not turn on electrical
appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>Throw out any medicine or food
that has had contact with floodwaters. Test drinking water for
potability. Wells should be pumped out and water tested for drinking.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.3in; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><font size="2" face="Symbol"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<font size="1" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></font></span></span></font>If the public water system is
declared “unsafe” by health officials, water for drinking and
cooking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></font></p>
<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For more safety information on floods and other hazards, visit
SEMO’s website at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.semo.state.ny.us/">www.semo.state.ny.us</a></span></font></p>
<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="center"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">#####</span></font></p><div> </div><div id="RTEContent"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><font size="1"><strong><font color="#033d21" face="arial">A. Wesley Jones, Director<br>Norwich Emergency Management<br>One City Plaza, Norwich, NY 13815<br>(607) 334-1299<br></font></strong><strong><font color="#033d21"><font face="arial">(607) 336-2080 (fax)</font><br></font></strong><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.norwichnewyork.net/emergency"><font color="#033d21" face="arial"><strong>http://www.norwichnewyork.net/emergency</strong></font></a></font> <br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.norwichnewyork.net/emergency/weatherwatch.html"><img
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