Larchmont Prepares For Hurricane Sandy

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Mamaroneck residents Max and Naomi Eagelfeld spent Friday at the New Rochelle Home Depot, preparing for the possibly significant impact of Hurricane Sandy. ?The two settled for a lantern and batteries, as the store did not have generators in stock.? “It’s coming. There’s not much you can do about it,” Max Eagelfeld said.? Other customers bought flashlights, electrical cords and gas tanks in anticipation of the storm, which is expected to hit the area early next week.? New Rochelle residents can view the city’s emergency management website for tips on how to prepare, manage themselves during the storm and recover after it passes. ?New Rochelle firefighters are also preparing for the storm, and will be ready to respond no matter how big the storm is.? Con Edison customers can report downed power lines, outages, and check on when their power will be restored by computer or mobile device, the company said on its website. Residents can also call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).? When reporting an outage, residents should have their account numbers available, and report whether their neighbors have also lost power, the company said. Customers who report outages will be called by Con Edison representatives, with estimated restoration times as they become available.? Con Ed advises residents to pay attention to reports from city and municipal officials, and can rely on the company to provide updates as the storm moves closer. The company will be posting information on its website.? Con Ed offers the following suggestions: • If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water. • Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel. • If your power goes out, turn off all light switches and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. • Check to make sure your flashlights and battery-operated radios are working. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations. • Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen. Every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process. Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36-48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours. • Check electrical cords for worn spots or frayed wires. Don't mend it, replace it! Homemade repairs are a common source of fires. • Use extension cords sparingly and only on a temporary basis. Too many appliances plugged into one cord causes overheating. One of every six home fires is started by overheated wires. • Wherever electricity is used — inside or out, on the street or in the home — the risk of an electrical fire or shock exists. Con Edison’s new brochure, “Electric Safety: What You Need to Know,” outlines the rules and safeguards that will help you prevent electrical accidents. • What should you do when your power goes out? Con Ed’s brochure “Our Power Problems? Let Us Know” tells you how you can help the company restore power quickly and safely. • Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home. Gas-fired appliances such as stoves or dryers that are attached to a flexible connector should be moved or replaced only by professionals. Old flexible connectors should be replaced and not reused because they may become brittle over time and develop small cracks, which leak enough gas to reach a hazardous level. • Have your heating and venting system serviced regularly. • All heating systems, vents and flues should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician. • If you see a damaged streetlight, stay back, keep children and pets away, and call your Department of Public Works.