Food and Water Safety

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 1 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 food and water safety/storage:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County- Food Safety & Emergency Resources
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Emergency Water Supply Preparation
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Water
• American Red Cross - Water Storage

Electical/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.
  1. If a member of your household needs electricity to operate life-sustaining equipment, please contact customer service at (845) 452-2700.

Power Line Safety

Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous and can cause severe injury or death. Here is some detailed information and resources on how to stay safe when there are downed power lines after a storm:

• Stay away from downed power lines: Always assume that any downed power line is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away from the downed line and anything that it may be touching.
• Avoid contact with anything in contact with the downed line: If a power line has fallen on a car, fence, or tree, avoid touching these objects as they may be energized.
• Never attempt to move a downed power line: Only trained professionals should handle downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, call your local power company or emergency services immediately.
• If you're in a vehicle that encounters a downed power line: Stay inside the vehicle and wait for help to arrive. If you must exit the vehicle, jump out with both feet together, landing on the ground without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Shuffle away from the vehicle, always keeping your feet close together and on the ground.
• Report downed power lines: If you see a downed power line, report it to your local power company or emergency services immediately.

 Additional Resources: 

• Central Hudson – Electrical Safety 
• Electrical Safety Foundation International - Downed Power Lines
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Power Outages
• Ready.gov – Power Outages

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 following information is sourced from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Red Cross, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 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. 

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

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

The best way to protect your household from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet or livestock owner, that plan must include your pets and livestock. Proper planning and preparedness measures, such as creating emergency kits, securing shelter, and identifying evacuation routes, can help safeguard our pets and livestock.

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.
• The Empire State Animal Response Team (ESART) supports animals during a climate emergency in New York State. 
• The Ulster County Animal Response Team (UCART) can also offer humane care and treatment of animals in case of a disaster or other situations that cause animal suffering by rescuing, relocating, fostering, etc.; and will assist in protecting public health concerns where humans and animals interact.
• Animals in Evacuation Shelters:  Many shelters cannot accommodate pets; this page from the CDC covers ways to minimize health risks if animals are housed in a public evacuation shelter. 

Livestock Owners: 

Livestock play critical roles in agriculture and food production. Safeguarding them during emergencies helps sustain our communities and the broader economy. Consider the following tips when learning how to protect your livestock during an emergency:

• Do you have a plan for your livestock should disaster strike? Use this checklist to prepare. 
• Safely evacuate livestock to a secure location, such as a designated shelter, higher ground, or a facility equipped to handle animals during emergencies.
• Ensure they have access to clean water, food, and appropriate shelter, taking into account their specific needs and the prevailing weather conditions.
• Keep identification and medical records handy, including vaccination records, ownership information, and any special instructions or requirements for each animal.
• 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.   
• Learn about caring for livestock after a disaster.
• What do you do if you lost livestock in a climate disaster? Visit the USDA Disaster Assistance Livestock Indemnity Program for information on the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the USDA Disaster Assistance Program for more information. 

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

Volunteer

Volunteering before, during, and after an emergency is an essential act of compassion, unity, and resilience. The importance of volunteering lies in its power to uplift, restore, and heal communities, fostering resilience and reminding us of the strength we possess when we come together. It is through volunteering that we demonstrate the best of humanity, showing that kindness, empathy, and solidarity can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Consider getting involved in the following opportunities or contact local organizations to find out how you can help. 

• UlsterCorps
• Ulster County Emergency Services Volunteer
• Ready.gov

You can also consider reaching out to the following organizations that may be present in your municipality:

Marlborough volunteer EMS and Fire Departments

Milton Fire Department (Milton Engine Co. No. 1)
21 Main Street, Milton, NY 12547
Station: 845-795-2355

Marlboro Fire Department (House Company No. 1)
14 Grand Street, Marlboro, NY 12542
Firehouse line: 845-236-4445
District Office: 845-236-4121
Marlboro Firefighters Facebook Page
Marlboro Firefighters Instagram Page

Remember to inquire about any necessary training or certifications required before volunteering in disaster-affected areas. It's also important to be patient and flexible, as volunteer needs may vary depending on the stage of the disaster response and recovery process.

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 on trainings such as the Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training, FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS), and the  NYS OEM Training, visit the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services webpage.  

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  (PDF)
• 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, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Can opener
• Pet food, water, and supplies (*If applicable)
• Infant formula and diapers (*If applicable)

Learn More

Climate Change in NY

How do we know we are experiencing climate change? Visit Nasa’s Causes of Climate Change website for the facts and to learn what the causes of climate change are.  

Climate Change in 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 Ulster 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 viewing this fact sheet. 

Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a serious environmental issue in New York, particularly in the summer months when temperatures are warm and water levels are low. HABs are caused by an overgrowth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. To view current and recent HABs in New York State visit NYHABS (arcgis.com).

HABs can occur in both freshwater and marine environments and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including warm water temperatures, excessive nutrients from sources such as agricultural and urban runoff, and changes in water chemistry. In the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions, HABs are often associated with nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage discharge, which can contribute to the growth of cyanobacteria.

HABs can have serious impacts on human and animal health. The toxins produced by cyanobacteria can cause a range of symptoms, including skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver damage. In some cases, exposure to HABs can be fatal for pets and wildlife.

To address the issue of HABs in the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions, efforts are underway to reduce nutrient pollution, improve water quality monitoring and reporting, and develop early warning systems to alert the public to potential HAB outbreaks. Community members can also take steps to help prevent HABs by reducing their use of fertilizers and other sources of nutrient pollution and reporting suspected HABs to local authorities.

Resources:

• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC): The NYS DEC provides information on harmful algae blooms across the state. Their website includes updates on current blooms, health advisories, and information on how to report a bloom.
• New York State Department of Health (DOH):  The DOH oversees the health, safety, and well-being of New Yorkers by utilizing new developments in science as critical tools in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. 
• The New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYS FOLA): NYSFOLA is a not-for-profit coalition of lake associations, individuals, and corporate members dedicated to the protection and restoration of New York lakes. 
• Hudson River Watershed Alliance: The Hudson River Watershed Alliance is a network of organizations and individuals working to protect the Hudson River and its watershed. Their website includes information on harmful algae blooms, including resources for prevention and management.
• The United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment by providing accurate scientific information. 

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 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. 

View your location relative to flood zones on maps published by FEMA. Enter your address in the Ulster County Parcel Viewer and under the heading ‘Map Layers – Water Resources’ click the button for ‘FEMA Adopted Flood Hazards.’ The map identifies different flood zones that indicate the probability a flood will occur within the zone in any given year. Zone AE is called the ‘100-year flood zone’ because this zone has at least a 1% chance of being inundated by floodwaters in any given year. While that may not sound like much risk, this rarer and deeper flood has a 26% chance of occurring over the life of your 30-year mortgage. Structures within this zone may also be at risk during shallower and more frequent floods.  

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

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.  

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).

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

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 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 includes 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.