Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to take precautions, learn about flood dangers and stay aware of current and potential weather conditions while flood warnings and watches are in effect across Central, Western and Northern New York.
“With severe weather impacting parts of the state, New Yorkers in the impacted regions should exercise caution,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our administration is monitoring these storms and working closely with our partners in local governments, and I urge everyone in these communities to stay safe.”
Flash flood warnings are in effect until 12:45 a.m. Monday for Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, and Wyoming Counties; until 1:45 a.m. Monday for Steuben and Tompkins Counties; until 3:15 a.m. for Chemung, and Tioga Counties; until 4:15 a.m. for Broome, Chenango, and Delaware Counties; and until 4:30 a.m. for Schuyler, Seneca, and Yates Counties. A flash flood watch is in effect until 6:00 a.m. Monday for Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates Counties.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Offices of Emergency Management (NYSOEM) and Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) are currently assisting emergency management officials with additional command staffing in Tompkins and Ontario Counties. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is also assisting local communities and staffing the Tompkins County Emergency Operations Center. DHSES, along with the New York State Police, remain in close communication with impacted local governments.
DHSES Commissioner John P. Melville said, “As heavy rains continue throughout the state, DHSES will continue to monitor the regions that are impacted by these storms and will provide any assistance needed. It is important for residents that are in the watch and warning areas to stay informed by monitoring local media, taking necessary precautions to stay safe, and heeding the advice of emergency officials. They should especially stay informed of potential evacuation orders if necessary.”
A flash flood or flood warning means that flooding has been reported or is imminent, and that citizens should take necessary precautions and actions immediately. A flash flood or flood watch indicates that flooding is possible within the designated watch area — when a watch is issued, citizens should be alert and ready to take action. It is essential that citizens get up-to-date weather information during flood warnings and watches, which can escalate quickly.
The best way to receive official emergency information, which can change quickly, is to subscribe to NY-ALERT (nyalert.gov), the state’s free, all-hazards notification system, and by downloading the app for iOS and Android devices.
Governor Cuomo urged residents in the affected areas of the following safety information
Flood Safety Information:
If flooding of a home or business has already occurred, 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 may also pose a danger.
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.
If there is time, move essential items and furniture to upper floors in the house. Disconnect electrical appliances that cannot be moved. DO NOT touch them if you are wet or standing in water
Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.
Additional Flood Safety Preparedness Information
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 – as well as potentially photo and video documentation — 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 water-proofing.
Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.
More safety tips for staying safe before, during, and after floods and other storms can be found on the DHSES website: dhses.ny.gov. For more information on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from severe weather, visit www.nyprepare.gov.
