For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
845-486-2000
Email: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County is currently under a Winter Storm Warning for a significant storm event that could bring 12 or more inches of snow overnight and throughout the day tomorrow (Wednesday, February 5th). The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center will be partially activated beginning at 8am on Wednesday morning to continue to monitor storm conditions and coordinate resources as necessary.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “Dutchess County Government is ready to handle the winter storm as it approaches. Residents are encouraged to follow up common sense safety tips to ensure they are safe and secure during adverse conditions.”
Dutchess County Public Works highway crews will be out in full force to address road conditions as snowfall accumulation increase.
Tips for safe winter driving include:
The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.If travel is a necessity, drivers should make sure their vehicle is stocked with survival gear such as blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag.Vehicle gas tank should be kept full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.Drivers should be sure their cell phone battery is charged and with them whenever traveling.Make sure someone knows your travel plans.Listen to the local media reports and/or check www.511ny.org for the latest road conditions.Keep vehicles clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.
Plan stops and keep more distance between cars. Always match speed to the road and weather conditions.
Dutchess County LOOP Bus Service has announced that Dial-A-Ride and Flex services have been cancelled for Wednesday, February 5, 2014. LOOP passengers should check for other potential schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/loop.htm. Service changes or cancellations will also be provided to local radio stations and other media outlets.
Dutchess County Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Centers will be closed tomorrow, with no home delivered meals.
Dutchess County 911 Dispatch communication center is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled as the storm intensifies.
Dutchess County Government’s Inclement Weather Policy for county employees will be in effect from 7am until 5pm tomorrow. County facilities and offices will remain open.
For a wide variety of winter safety tips from protecting your home to being safe outdoors, check out the resources available on Dutchess County Government’s website
Residents can stay up to date on the County’s storm response online at http://www.dutchessny.gov or on the County’s social media pages on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dutchess-County-Government/73646813346 or Twitter at http://twitter.com/DutchessCoGov.
Information is also available by calling United Way 211.