Sandy Creek Supervisor Declares Emergency; Urges People To Stay Home

Sandy Creek Supervisor Declares Emergency; Urges People To Stay Home

Sandy Creek Town Supervisor Lonnie Crast has declared a State of Emergency in the town, including the Villages of Sandy Creek and Lacona, due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms that blew through the region this afternoon.

Due to downed power lines, downed trees, and the lack of traffic signals, Town Supervisor Crast strongly urges people to avoid traveling on all town roads. “We would especially like to let people who have camps in the area or who are traveling to see the damage from out of the area that conditions are still potentially dangerous,” Town Supervisor Crast said. “We urge people to stay home and avoid driving on roads in our town.”

While there is no restriction on travel, Town Supervisor Crast reminded motorists that driving in the affected areas could impede the response of emergency personnel. Driving over power lines on the ground or under hanging wires can be dangerous.

The State of Emergency was declared according to New York State Executive Law Article 2-B. The declaration heightens awareness to emergency conditions and is a signal to people in the county to use extreme caution and pay attention to local conditions.

Power outages remain in the area, and the town supervisor also urged people to continue to exercise caution. He emphasized that people using generators as a back-up source of electrical power must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and power usage. Generators should be operated outside and downwind of the structure to provide adequate ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Before you operate a generator, make sure your electrical system is disconnected from the National Grid system by ensuring that the main circuit breaker in your electric service box is in the ‘off’ position,” said Town Supervisor Crast. “In older electric service panel boxes, the main fuse box should be removed. This prevents your generator’s electricity from going back into the power lines in the street, which could endanger line crews and your neighbors.”

Town Supervisor Crast noted that fire and other emergency response personnel are working through the evening to ensure public safety. “We appreciate the efforts of our volunteers and others while this emergency exists.”

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