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RESOURCES FOR STORM PREPAREDNESS
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Governor Cuomo has declared a State of Emergency for all New York Counties south of Sullivan County.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the "potentially historic" storm in many areas in the region effective Monday at 1 p.m., as well as increased the snow accumulation and wind speed forecast. As of Sunday evening, the National Weather Service expects general snowfall from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet with local amounts in excess of 3 feet, and wind gusts that may reach up to 65 MPH. Snow may fall at a rate of up to 4 inches per hour and visibility may be reduced to zero.
Here are some helpful tips from the Red Cross on how to prepare for the impending storm:
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Prior to storm, make sure you have emergency supplies on hand in your home.
Critical supplies include food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, baby supplies, medication, pet supplies, a crank radio, cash and cell phone chargers.
Make sure your cell phones are charged.
For full list of emergency supplies, click here.
WINTER STORM/COLD WEATHER SAFETY
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information on snow storms and blizzards from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain, snow or dense fog.
If travel is necessary, make sure you have a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle which includes: shovel, blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, first aid kit, extra batteries, sack of sand or cat litter.
Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
When shoveling snow, take frequent breaks to avoid risk of injury or cardiac arrest.
Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
Bring pets inside during winter weather.
Make sure coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and warm clothing are available for all household members, along with extra blankets.
Eat regular meals and stay hydrated, but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
For more winter weather safety, click here.
HOME HEATING SAFETY
Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away fro m space heaters.
Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
POWER OUTAGE SAFETY
Use flashlights for light, not candles.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Check refrigerated food for spoilage and if in doubt, throw it out. Your refrigerator will keep cold for about 4 hours. If the freezer is full, it will keep its temperature for about 48 hours.
Have coolers on hand and surround your food with ice in the cooler or refrigerator to keep food cold for a longer period of time. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment and any appliances, equipment or electronics to avoid damaging them when the power is restored.
Avoid unnecessary travel as traffic lights will be out and roads congested.
Watch animals and keep them under your direct control.
USING A GENERATOR If someone is planning to use a generator, never use it indoors, including in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other area, even with ventilation. Generators put off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
For more power outage safety info, click here.
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.redcross.org/prepare.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY.
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As always, concern for human safety is first and foremost. After the storm has passed, if you need help with damaged collections, we've rounded up these resources for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.
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AIC-CERT
American Institute for Conservation-
Collections Emergency Response Team
The American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the national association of conservation professionals, is offering free emergency response assistance to cultural organizations. Please help make sure that staff members of collecting institutions know to contact AIC-CERT when a disaster-flooding, hurricane, earthquake, fire-has damaged collections.
* Call AIC's 24-hour assistance number at
202.661.8068 for advice by phone.
* Call 202.661.8068 to arrange for a team to come to the site to complete damage assessments and help with salvage organization. |
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NY State Library and NY State Archives
The State Library and State Archives are responsible for gathering information about the extent of damage to your building and/or collections as well as recovery costs. Contact Barbara Lilley (blilley@mail.nysed,gov) or Maria Holden (mholden@mail.nysed.gov) to report the impact of the storm on your organization.
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Help for State Agencies
Archives staff are available to provide advice on recovering damaged records. When agency records are believed to constitute a hazard to human safety or health, or to property, the agency records management officer may request authorization from the State Archives to destroy or dispose of such records immediately. Contact the Archives at (518) 474-6926 or (518) 473-4254. For a complete listing of State Archives disaster services and resources, go to: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/records/mr_disaster.shtml
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Help for Local Governments
The State Archives Regional Advisory Officers are available by phone/email to provide advice on recovering archives and records, and to assist you in applying for a recovery grant. Local governments may be eligible for up to $20,000 in disaster recovery funding for damaged records. Contact your Regional Advisory Officer http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/directories/dir_staff.shtml#Advisory or call the Archives at (518) 474-6926 or (518) 473-4254. For a complete listing of State Archives disaster services and resources, go to: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/records/mr_disaster.shtml |
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Help for Cultural Institutions
(museums, historical societies, non-government archives)
State Archives and State Library staff are available to provide advice on recovering collections. Contact the State Library at (518) 486-4864 or the State Archives at (518) 474-6926 or (518) 473-4254.
The State Office of Emergency Management also provides assistance, including advisories and access to resources and recovery services. Go to: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/
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Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA)
Our colleagues from the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts have provided a list of over 100 vendors and associations for whom to call to assist with your recovery needs. Knowing who to call saves time and allows staff to respond as quickly as possible in an emergency. Click here to see the list.
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Most importantly - Stay Safe!!!
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