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In Tuckahoe, catch basins have been cleared, and flags, trash cans and other potentially loose projectiles have been taken down or secured. The Department of Public Works is fully equipped with chain saws, full gas cans and sandbags. Emergency vehicles have been filled with gas, and snowplows and sanders were activated on Friday. Construction work has been suspended on Yonkers Avenue until the storm passes.
On Friday, County Executive Robert Astorino participated in a multi-municipality conference call with town officials and the Westchester Office of Emergency Management.
“All relevant county departments are preparing in case this storm seriously impacts us,” he said in a statement. “We hope we will not be severely affected by Sandy, but we must be prepared.”
Many of the same procedures have been undertaken in Eastchester. Police Lt. Robert Jensen said his department has worked with the Highway Department to make the necessary arrangements if the storm causes as much damage as has been predicted.
“We’re keeping an eye on the forecast, and we will prepare according to that,” he said. “We’ve made sure our spare cars are gassed and that our generators work. If we need to open a shelter, we’ll do so on Monday.”
FEMA and Con Edison have several tips for residents to help them prepare for the hurricane that has been dubbed “Frankenstorm.”
The agencies advise residents to obtain new batteries, as well as battery-operated radios and flashlights. Using candles as a light source is not advised for safety reasons. Vehicles should be topped off with fuel, and should never be less than half full in case gas pumps fail.
Non-perishable foods that don’t need to be cooked or refrigerated should be purchased, and airtight containers should be filled with enough water to last several days in case water supplies are interrupted or contaminated.
Loose objects outside of homes should be brought inside or secured, as they can become dangerous projectiles when winds pick up. It is also important to have materials ready for emergency repairs.
Check back with The Eastchester Daily Voice for storm updates, and send any pictures from the “Frankenstorm” to zfailla@dailyvoice.com.
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