Dear Residents -
First and foremost, Happy New Year! I hope you were able to welcome in the New Year amongst friends and family (even if, like me, it was hours before midnight). Personally, I prefer New Year’s Day and waking up with that feeling of a fresh start. And with so much conflict around the world this past year, it’s time for renewed hope for peace and a better year in 2024.
Unfortunately, it looks like we may be in for our first snow event of the season this weekend. Although the forecasts keep changing, it appears there is going to be unpleasant weather one way or the other. So, please take some steps to prepare, like making sure you have food so you don’t need to go out in the inclement weather. Also check that you have a shovel, ice melt, flashlights (with working batteries) and some extra blankets. For more safety tips, please see the information below from the Orangetown Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management.
If you are aware of an important community event, such as a blood drive, not-for-profit fundraiser, business grand opening or other community happening, that you would like to see included in my newsletter, please forward the information to Supervisor@Orangetown.com. If it is community appropriate and there is space, I will be happy to include it.
As a reminder, the first meeting of the year is Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 7 pm. It is the Town Board Re-Organizational Meeting and, while all are welcome, there will be no public comment. Due to the ongoing construction, it will not be shown on television. However, it can be viewed in real time on Facebook Live and will be available to view on YouTube the following day.
Please have a safe weekend everyone!
Regards,
| |
|
Teresa M. Kenny
Town Supervisor
Town of Orangetown
26 Orangeburg Road
Orangeburg, New York 10962
(845) 359-5100 x 2293
| |
|
Camp Shanks Museum Hours:
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 11 am - 3 pm
January 23 - Public Hearing:
- Local Law on proposed amendment for outdoor parking and storage of vehicles.
-
Local Law for South Nyack Parking (Revised law from November 21, 2023)
- Local Law on proposed text amendment to Special Permit Uses to include farm cidery/winery (postponed from November 28, 2023)
| |
|
Orangetown Police Department
| |
|
Many of us are getting our shovels and snow blowers ready for the potential snow storm this weekend.
Tips before you begin:
-
Dress appropriately. Light layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. Wear appropriate head covering and thick, warm socks. Choose gloves or mittens that will keep your hands warm, dry, and blister-free. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
-
Start early. Try to clear snow early and often to avoid moving heavy, packed snow.
-
Make sure you can see. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Be sure that you can fully see the area that you are clearing.
-
Check with your doctor if you have any medical problems. Clearing snow places a great deal of stress on the heart, so if you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, talk with your doctor about the proper precautions. You may also want to consider hiring someone to remove the snow, rather than doing it yourself.
Tips for snow shoveling:
-
Pace yourself. Snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, stop the activity and seek emergency care.
-
Proper equipment. Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
-
Proper lifting. Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove large amounts of snow all at once – this is particularly important in the case of heavy, wet snow. Do it in steps, taking caution to not throw it over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
Tips for snow blowing:
-
Understand your machine. Read the instruction manual prior to using a snow blower. Be familiar with the specific safety hazards and unfamiliar features. Do not attempt to repair or maintain the snow blower without reading the instruction manual.
-
Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow jams the snow blower, stop the engine and wait more than five seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.
-
Proper supervision. Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running. Shut off the engine if you must walk away from the machine.
-
Safe fueling. Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot. Be sure to always fuel your snow blower outside rather than in a garage, shed, or enclosed area to avoid being overwhelmed by engine fumes. Never operate the machine in an enclosed area.
-
Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. If the cord becomes caught in the machine and is severed, or comes in contact with the engine and burns, you could receive a shock or become electrocuted.
-
Be cautious of motor recoil. Beware of the brief recoil of motor and blades that occurs after the machine has been turned off.
| | |
|
Office
of Emergency Management
| |
|
|
How to Protect Yourself from Winter Weather
IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
Know your winter weather terms:
Winter Storm Warning
Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
Winter Storm Watch
Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
Winter Weather Advisory
Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
Know Your Risk for Winter Storms
Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
In Case of Emergency
Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.
Stay Safe During Winter Weather
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.
-
Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
-
Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
-
Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
-
Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Generator Safety
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
-
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
-
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
- Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
- Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
-
Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Associated Content
| |
On-line registration opens on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm | |
Orangetown Parks & Recreation staff will be 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐧/𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Monday, January 8, 2024. Due to the volume of phone inquiries, we 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 accept walk in/phone registrations. Registration is 𝑶𝑵𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑬 𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀! | |
|
Rockland County Events:
To find more events in Orangetown and around Rockland County click here.
| | | | | | |