Disaster Preparedness

Welcome

Welcome to the Disaster Recovery and Emergency Preparedness page. The Town of Clinton, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County has developed a bank of resources to help prepare yourself, your family, your neighborhood and community. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can occur unexpectedly and have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. In these situations, it is crucial to have a plan in place to minimize the impact of the disaster and recover as quickly as possible.

This webpage provides resources and information to help you prepare for disasters and emergencies. It covers a range of topics, from developing a family emergency plan to the multi-faceted relationship between climate change and natural disasters. We also provide information on what to do during and after a disaster, including how to access emergency services and how to start the recovery process.

Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to take proactive steps to reduce the impact of disasters and emergencies. By preparing in advance, we can better protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. We encourage you to explore the resources available on this webpage and take the necessary steps to be prepared for the unexpected.

This project was made possible by a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County in partnership with the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, NY Water Resources Institute and Cornell University with support from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. For more information, visit the Climate Resilience Partnership (CRP) webpage.

Stay Informed

Community Notification System

Local:

If you would like to receive periodic updates, subscribe to the town mailing list through the town website. Once subscribed you will receive an e-mail from MailChimp asking you to confirm your subscription.

County:

For County wide alerts download the Ready Dutchess app from apple and google.

Stay up to date on what is happening in the community by following the Facebook pages for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department and Dutchess County Emergency Management.

State:

New Yorkers can subscribe to NY-Alert to receive critical information and emergency alerts on what is happening in their area. NY-Alert contains critical, emergency-related information including instructions and recommendations in real-time by emergency personnel. Information may include severe weather warnings, significant highway closures, hazardous material spills, and other emergency conditions.

All areas of New York State are included in the system, and you can decide which area you would like to receive alerts about.

Signing up is free; messages be received by phone, email, text, and fax.

Road Closures

Please visit the Dutchess County Department of Public Works webpage on updated road closure information. The list includes locations where the roads are shut down or traffic is currently being affected due to traffic hazards or weather. This list is constantly changing. The county will provide updates to this list throughout the day.
Road closures on state-maintained roads can also be found here.

Stream Gage Monitoring

Stream gages indicate water levels and serve as an indicator of drought or flooding. With increasing fluctuations in weather patterns, understanding gage information will be an important tool.

Emergency management and services personnel, as well as citizens, can access daily water level readings from the following websites:
USGS National Water Dashboard

USGS National Water Dashboard

The gages in the surrounding streams can provide important data relating to residents and the safety of their homes. Use this interactive map to learn more about discharge, turbidity, and more.

The USGS Mobile Water Data site highlights USGS current conditions water data in a mobile-friendly website, allowing users to monitor conditions at a favorite river or stream or locate nearby monitoring locations. All USGS current conditions water data is available.

National Weather Service Advanced Hydraulic Prediction Service
You can also visit the National Weather Service webpage for direct access to local information pertaining to the City of Kingston.

Access Resources

Emergency Assistance and Shelters

In the event of an emergency, shelters will be designated by the Town of Stanford and Dutchess County officials.

Check this map for open Red Cross shelters in your area: Hudson Valley Red Cross .
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

Please note, unless clearly stated, emergency shelters do not have the capacity to accept household pets.

Warming and Cooling Centers

Warming Center:

Extreme cold weather events such as blizzards are becoming more likely in the Northeast and are predicted to increase in intensity despite rising temperatures and shortened winters. Warming centers can ensure your safety and prevent exposure to dangerous and inclement weather.

County:

Law Enforcement agencies or any other organizations that come in contact with or become aware of any individuals that need shelter can bring them to the warming center. Warming Centers will open when there is a temperature that drops below 32 degrees.

For up-to-date information on county-operated warming centers check the Dutchess Couny Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.

Cooling Center:

Planning for extreme heat is critical for ensuring the long-term resilience of a community and reducing the number of deaths and hospitalizations that occur during high-heat events. Cooling centers are air-conditioned spaces where the public can cool down. Air-conditioned libraries, supermarkets, and malls are great places in the community to get cool. Shaded areas of local and state parks or swimming facilities like community pools and beaches are also places you can go to get cool during the summer heat.

County:

Law Enforcement agencies or any other organizations that come in contact with or become aware of any individuals that need shelter can bring them to the warming center. Cooling centers are facilities where you can go to cool off during extreme heat. In Dutchess County, many local libraries serve as pre-designated cooling centers. Local municipalities may also offer additional cooling centers options. Check with your local municipality to learn more about other possible cooling center options.

For up-to-date information on county-operated warming centers check the Dutchess County Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.

Food Pantries

During an emergency, residents are encouraged to utilize food pantries in surrounding towns. Reference this map to find which location is closest for you and how to get there via public transportation.

Food and Water Safety

Find out how to keep food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as floods, fires, natural disasters, or the loss of power by visiting Foodsafety.gov.
In the event of an emergency or disaster, access to food, water, and electricity may be limited or scarce. Prepare for yourself and your family by storing emergency food and water supplies.

Food:

During an emergency situation, it’s important to take steps to ensure that the food you consume is safe to eat. Here are some food safety and storage tips to follow during and after an emergency:

1. Keep food at safe temperatures: Keep perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F. If there is a power outage, try to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Use a thermometer to check the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer when power is restored.
2. Use food within recommended timeframes: Check the expiration dates on your food items, and use them within the recommended timeframe. If you are unsure whether a particular food is still safe to eat, use your senses to check for any unusual odors, colors, or textures.
3. Store food properly: Keep food stored in airtight containers or packaging to prevent contamination from pests and bacteria. Avoid storing food near chemicals, cleaning supplies, or other hazardous materials.
4. Use clean utensils and surfaces: During an emergency, it’s important to use clean utensils and surfaces to prepare and handle food. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and use clean cutting boards, knives, and other utensils.
5. Cook food thoroughly: Cook all meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs to the proper temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of cooked food reaches at least 165°F.
6. Use safe water: Use only safe, clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. If you are unsure about the safety of your water supply, boil it for at least one minute before use.
7. Discard any questionable food: If you suspect that any food may be contaminated, discard it immediately. Don’t take any chances with food safety, especially during an emergency situation.
8. Familiar foods are important and create a feeling of security in times of stress. Try to include foods that you and your family will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, water, special preparation, or cooking are best.

Find out more on how to keep food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as floods, fires, natural disasters, or the loss of power by visiting Foodsafety.gov.

For more questions about food safety, contact the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) to talk to a food safety expert or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Water:

Water safety and storage are critical during an emergency. Here are some tips and resources to help you ensure that you have safe and clean drinking water before, during, and after an emergency:

Before:

• Store enough water: It’s recommended to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Store water in clean, airtight containers, and label them with the date they were filled.
• Rotate stored water: If you’re storing water for an extended period, rotate it every six months to keep it fresh.
• Learn how to purify water: Learn how to purify water in case your stored water runs out. Some methods for purifying water include boiling, using water purification tablets, and using a water filter.
• Locate emergency water sources: Identify sources of water that you can access in an emergency, such as a nearby lake, river, or well.

During:

• Use safe water sources: If your regular water supply is compromised, use your stored water or find a safe water source to use. Boil or treat any water from an unknown source before drinking it.
• Avoid contaminated water: Do not drink water that has a strange color, odor, or taste. Also, avoid water that may be contaminated by chemicals, sewage, or other hazardous materials.
• Collect and store rainwater: You can also collect rainwater during an emergency. Place a clean container outside to collect the rainwater.

After:

• Check for safety: Check with your local authorities to see if your water supply is safe to drink. Listen to news reports and follow any instructions from local officials.
• Purify water: If your water supply is not safe, use a water purification method to make it safe for consumption.
• Dispose of contaminated water: If you suspect that any water may be contaminated, do not use it for any purpose. Dispose of it properly.

Resources for water safety and storage:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Emergency Water Supply Preparation
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Water
• American Red Cross – Water Storage

Electrical/Gas Outages & Water/Bagged Ice

Power outages may become more frequent with increased storm intensities due to climate change. Stay informed on outages by using the Central Hudson Interactive Outage Map. In the event of a gas-related emergency, call 911 to contact the local fire department. For information regarding electric and natural gas safety, visit https://www.cenhud.com/Safety.

In the event of an emergency, Central Hudson will also distribute dry ice and bottled water to customers in need.

Customers can stay informed of storm and restoration conditions in the following ways:

• By text messaging: Customers should enroll in Central Hudson’s Texting Program to use text messaging to report their power condition and to obtain repair status. To enroll, visit CentralHudson.com/Alerts or text REG to 236483
• On the Web: Visit CentralHudson.com/Storms to report outages and obtain restoration updates
• Via smartphones: Updated free Central Hudson mobile applications are available for Android and Apple devices by logging onto www.cenhud.com/mobileapp.
• Through social media: “Like” Central Hudson on Facebook (Facebook.com/CentralHudson) and “Follow” on Twitter (Twitter.com/CentralHudson)
• By phone: Call the Central Hudson PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, and please use the automated system to report or monitor your power condition. If a member of your household needs electricity to operate life-sustaining equipment, please contact customer service at (845) 452-2700.

Generator Safety

In the event of an electric failure, generators are typically used as a source of secondary power. Unfortunately, this emergency equipment can present serious health and safety concerns. The primary hazards that arise when using a generator include:

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning

• Never use a generator inside a closed space, including but not limited to, homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, or any partially enclosed area.
• Ensure devices are outdoors and are kept away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to circulate indoors.
• CO CANNOT be seen or smelled, leading to incapacitation or death. Do not attempt to use fans, open doors, or windows to allow for air flow. Rather, if you begin to feel sick, dizzy, or weak – get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.
• Install CO alarms in central locations with your home. Test batteries frequently and replace when necessary. Ensure alarms are located on every level and in close vicinity to sleeping areas to ensure proper warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

Fire

• Generators increase in temperature while running and may remain hot even after they are stopped. Ensure proper cool off time before refueling, relocating the generator or placing objects nearby.
• Generator fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) are flammable and will ignite when spilled on a hot engine part. All fuels should be stored in containers with proper designs, ventilation, and labeling for contents. Fuels should NOT be stored in the home.

Electrocution

• Always use heavy-duty extension cords when connecting a generator to other appliances.
• An increase in voltage or a surge to outside power lines can occur when hooking your generator directly into your home power supply. This action could lead to potential injuries or electrocution of utility linemen but may also bypass circuit protection devices, resulting in a surge electricity leading to major injury or death.

*Sources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Red Cross, FEMA

Additional resources:

Generator safety video (Includes American Sign Language (ASL) translation)

• How to operate a generator
• CDC carbon monoxide video or call 800-232-4636

Electric Car Charging Stations and Emergency Parking

In the event of an emergency, visit NYSERDA’s Electric Vehicle Station Locator to find nearby electric charging station locations. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides up-to-date information on alternative fueling station locations.

Download the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s mobile application available for Android and Apple devices.

Pets and Livestock

Before:

Pet Owners:

Your pets are important members of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.
Visit ready.gov/pets for more information and resources.
Learn how to prepare a disaster plan for your pet by visiting AmericanHumane.org.
Create a pet emergency preparedness kit.
Livestock Owners: Do you have a plan for your livestock should disaster strike? Use this checklist to prepare.

During:

The Empire State Animal Response Team (ESART) supports animals during a climate emergency in New York State.

The Dutchess County Animal Response is a team of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who focus on animal preparedness planning, education, and outreach. Find out about events and trainings by visiting their Facebook page.
Diseases may increase with climate change. Stay up to date on emerging diseases at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center and via the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

After:

Learn about caring for livestock after a disaster.

What do you do if you lose livestock in a climate disaster? Click here for information on the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and here for a complete list of Disaster Assistance Programs.

Post Emergency Resources

For post-emergency assistance services, visit the Hudson Valley Red Cross webpage to learn more.
For general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal, visit Ready.gov.
For up-to-date information on county-operated and organized resources, visit the Ulster County Emergency Services webpage or check the Ulster County Facebook page for updates.

Mental Health:

After a natural disaster, several mental health resources are available to help individuals and communities cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the event.
Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. The helpline is free, confidential, and available to everyone. You can call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor.
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program: The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) is a federal program that provides short-term counseling and support to individuals and communities affected by a disaster. The program is designed to help people cope with the immediate emotional and psychological effects of the disaster and can provide referrals to longer-term mental health services if needed.

Mental Health America: Mental Health America is a national organization that provides resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, including those related to a disaster. Their website offers a variety of resources, including fact sheets, guides, and tips for coping with disaster-related stress and trauma.
Local mental health services: After a disaster, local mental health services may be available to provide counseling and support to those affected. Check with your local health department or mental health agency for information on available services.
It’s essential to prioritize mental health and seek support if needed after a disaster. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and there are resources available to support you.

Get Prepared

Citizen Preparedness Training

The Citizen Preparedness Corps gives residents the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster or emergency, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Learn more here. For general resources related to weather emergencies, visit the NYS Department of Health’s webpage.

For additional information visit the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response webpage and Facebook page.

Volunteer

• Ready.gov
• Make a Plan
• Disasters can happen anywhere, any time. That’s why it’s important you’re prepared. Do you have a plan for yourself, your pets, and your family? Consider the specific needs you might have in an emergency by visiting Ready.gov.

You may not be together when disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll reconnect if separated. Use this Ready.gov form to create a Family Emergency Communication Plan, which you can email as a PDF file once complete.

Useful Documents (Ready.gov):

• FEMA Online Ordering Site
• Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)
• Pet Owners (PDF)
• Safeguard Documents and Valuables (PDF)
• Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (PDF)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Disaster Checklist (PDF)

Build a Kit

An emergency kit should have everything you need to survive for several days. Keeping your kit stocked with necessities like food, water, and medical care can make the difference in the face of a disaster. Visit Ready.gov to learn more.

Disaster Kit Checklist:

• First aid kit
• Local maps
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cell phone with charger and backup battery
• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery operated radio
• Essential medications
• Extra blankets, sleeping bag
• Personal sanitation equipment (Feminine supplies, garbage bags, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Can opener
• Pet food, water, and supplies (*If applicable)
• Infant formula and diapers (*If applicable)
• Learn About Climate Change Climate Change in NY
• How do we know we are experiencing climate change? Click here for the facts and to learn what the causes are.

Learn About Climate Change

How has climate change affected New York state?

What are some solutions to climate change?

Climate Change in Clinton and the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change.

Learn more about how the natural resources and communities around you may be at risk by visiting the Dutchess County Cornell Cooperative Extension webpage and the DEC fact sheet on climate change in the Hudson Valley.

Learn more about the specific effects of climate change throughout the state by visiting this fact sheet.

Flooding

With increased oceanic and atmospheric temperatures, it is likely that residents will encounter increased precipitation, heatwaves, and substantial likelihood of extreme flood events. All residents should be aware of risks and know how to find information and help when flooding occurs. Whether you live in the flood zone or not, being prepared for an emergency is important. Visit this checklist to find important information before you take steps to repair your flooded home.

To learn more about preparation for a flood and other protective actions, visit FEMA.gov.

Flood Preparedness:

For owners and managers of public river access sites, visit the NYS DEC’s Flood Resiliency Handbook for guidelines to reduce damage, costs, and other consequences associated with the effects of climate change, and begin planning for resilience.

To learn more about flood impact along the Hudson River, visit the Hudson River Flood Impact Decision Support System.

Flood Risk:

Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risk in your area. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Flood Insurance:

Homeowner’s insurance policies do NOT cover flooding. It is recommended that residents in flood-prone areas purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Policies typically go into effect 30 days after purchase. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Post Flood Resources:

MyCoast NY is a statewide portal used to collect and analyze photos of flooding, storm damage, and coastal change. When a photo report is submitted, it is automatically linked to data from the closest weather, river, and tidal or lake gauge to help provide context to the photo and is then posted to the mycoast.org/ny website for anyone to see. Photo reports can be submitted through the app (iPhone / Android) or the website with a registered account.

The three photo report types are:

• Flood Watch: Tracking flooding across the state. This included inland and coastal flooding.
• Storm Reporter: Documenting storm damage across the state.
• Coast Snap: Capturing the changing shoreline- currently at three locations.

Use MyCoast as a repository for photos of flood and storm impacts that can help raise awareness, build political will, inform municipal planning and emergency management, and complement other data and mapping. MyCoast brings together community members, local officials, state agencies, researchers, and NGOs in sharing and using the information.

To learn more about MyCoast NY, contact Jessica Kuonen at jak546@cornell.edu.

For information and resources related to repairing your flooded home, visit Health.ny.gov.

Get Involved: How Can I Help?
*Last updated: 10/20/2023 9:50 AM