W PNCR County Clarion-Leger. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. July 31, 2006: County Executive Andy Spano held a meeting with Con Edison today, as solely reported by WPCNR, and after that meeting, the County Executive issued this the following statement. No other statements about Con Edison explanations and plans for dealing with future communications were made:
· At a meeting with Con Edison today, Spano was assured by the utility that it has already brought in extra crews and notified others to be on standby in the event there are any major power outages.
Spano reminded residents that if they do lose power to make sure they notify Con Ed of the outage by calling 1-800-75-CONED. Do not assume that the utility knows you are without power. If you see a fallen wire, you should notify your local police. In addition, everyone should own a basic phone (one that is not powered by electricity) as these are the only kind of landlines that will work during an outage.
· All county beaches and pools will be open for extended hours Tuesday and Wednesday until 8:30 p.m. with reduced rates. The fee for pools will be $2.50 for adults or children with a county park pass (as opposed to $5.75 for adults, $4 for children and $3.75 for seniors). For people without a pass, it will be $5, instead of $10. Beaches are free at Playland and Glen Island, but parking rates remain in effect. Go to www.westchestergov.com/parks for details. The longer hours will continue Thursday if the heat wave continues. (Please Note: Playland pool is the site this week of Westchester Swimming Championships. Therefore, that pool will close to the public at 3:30 p.m. )
· The county’s Department of Emergency Services has contacted all local governments in advance of any heat-related problems to offer assistance. The county is ready to open its Emergency Operations Center if needed.
· To help residents cope with the soaring temperatures, the Health Department has a 24-hour "Stay Cool" Information Line, (914) 813-5620, which provides tips on how to stay cool in the summer heat and identifies air-conditioned locations such as libraries, shopping malls, movie theaters and senior centers throughout the county where residents can go to beat the heat. A listing of some air-conditioned community locations is available on the Health Department’s website, www.westchestergov.com/health.
· The county Department of Emergency Services is gathering information about where local governments have set up “cooling centers” for their residents. Currently, these are:
o Elmsford: Senior Community Center, 10 North Stone Ave., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.
o New Rochelle: Hugh Doyle Senior Center, 94 Davis Ave., Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
o Hastings: The courtroom in the Municipal Building and the Andrus Memorial Home (neither facility has back-up generators).
o Yonkers: Coyne Park Community Center, Nodine Hill Community Center, Cola Community Center, Chema Center, Congregation of the Sons of Israel, St. John's Park Pavilion, Bronx River Road Community Center, Sacred Heart H.S. Cafeteria, Nepperhan Community Center
For specific hours and addresses, residents should call their local municipality.
“We are taking whatever steps we can in advance to deal with this weather,” Spano said. “I urge residents to use common sense when dealing with the heat. At our end, we remain ready to assist local governments and residents.”
