August starts the peak of hurricane season and the Cornwall Office of Emergency Management urges residents to always be prepared for the possibility of severe weather.
We want to remind people to be prepared. Don’t wait for severe weather; get prepared – for you, your family, and your pets.
Families should prepare for two scenarios in the event of severe weather: to remain in their homes for the duration of a storm and recovery from it or to evacuate if recommended by local authorities.
Do not call Cornwall Communications (845-534-8100) or dial 9-1-1 unless you have an emergency. Dispatch centers are frequently overwhelmed with non-emergency calls during severe storms such as residents seeking information. Visit the Cornwall Office of Emergency Management’s web site for information about current conditions, register for wireless emergency alerts and navigate to Central Hudson’s web site to learn about tools for reporting power outages and outage restoration information.
Residents should always have enough provisions in their homes to last at least one week because help from first responders may not be immediately available when severe weather strikes.
In recent years, we have experienced severe weather events more frequently with growing intensity and impacts to the greater Cornwall community.
These storms are wreaking havoc on personal property and our infrastructure including damage from flooding, high winds, heavy wet snow, fallen trees, and downed power lines causing prolonged power outages.
Other disaster preparedness supplies to have at the ready include:
• Flashlights and extra batteries;
• Fire extinguisher, at least one 5lb ABC Dry Chemical Type;
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries;
• First aid kit;
• Emergency food and water;
• Non-electric can opener;
• Essential medicines/prescriptions;
• Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and
• Sturdy shoes.
If residents are recommended by local officials to evacuate, they should do so without hesitating and should take important documents with them, including:
• Checkbooks;
• Driver’s license;
• Credit card information;
• Birth certificates;
• Social Security cards; and
• Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity
• Transport documents in waterproof packages or containers.
Always remember that it’s very important to avoid floodwaters. They can be toxic because they might contain sewage, hazardous chemicals, or sharp objects like glass or metal fragments. Floodwaters can also lead to disease, injuries, and infections.
Also, if your house gets flooded, make sure you know what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones from dangerous mold. If your house has been closed up for several days, you should presume your home has been contaminated with mold and take appropriate steps.
Reviewing your homeowners’ insurance policy to make sure you have the coverage you need is a good idea. Expensive items, such as jewelry, electronics, or collectibles may exceed the limits of your coverage, and protecting them may require an additional policy.
Learn about the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value in homeowners’ policies. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild your home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to your home after depreciation. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommends insuring your home for at least 80 percent of its replacement value.
Understanding your policy will also help plan for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as temporary living expenses if you can’t stay in your home. Contact your insurance agent for specific information and visit the NAIC at naic.org/documents/consumer_guide_home.pdf for more information about homeowner’s policies
Property owners need to keep in mind that typical homeowners and business insurance does not cover damage from flooding, and flood policies sold through the National Flood Insurance Program require a 30-day waiting period before taking effect.
For more information about flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov. To protect your property with a flood insurance policy, call your insurance agent or call 1-800-427-2419 to find an agent near you.
For more information on how to make a disaster supply kit and how to prepare for all-hazards we could face in the greater Cornwall community, visit ready.cornwallny.gov.
