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NORTH SALEM, N. Y. - North Salem's Town Hall has relocated to the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps building at Daniel Road. As of Monday morning, 80 percent of the town was without power. NYSEG reported that 82 percent of its customers were without service.
Town officials said there are 61 damaged telephone poles in town and 25 trees down along Route 116. Residents are warned to be careful because limbs may still be falling.
Monday morning, 6,000 gallons of fresh water were delivered to the Daniel Road building. The supplies will continue to be replenished as needed. Residents are also welcome to seek shelter at the Ambulance Corps building where food and showers are available. Thirty people came in Monday morning to take advantage of the showers.
The highest priority in town is the nursing homes, officials said, adding that they hope service to them would be restored on Tuesday.
Deputy Supervisor Peter Kamenstein reported that the North Salem Fire Department, the Highway Department and the Ambulance Corps have been working continuously. In addition, volunteers have pitched in, with many sleeping at the firehouse between missions. Members of the Lions Club have also been helping,
The Croton Falls Fire Department has made nearly 50 house calls since Saturday morning, handling problems including downed trees, transformer fires, pump-outs and medical emergencies.
"We're fortunate that our dirt roads have held up well," said Kamenstein. "By the end of the day on Sunday every road was open except Starr Ridge."
Flooding is no longer an issue but the ground is saturated.
"At the tail end of a hurricane, the wind reverses its direction," Kamenstein explained. "So the wind loosens up the trees and the ground is too saturated to hold them. They may keep falling for a while."
Ambulance Corps Captain Maria Hlusko was operating the continually ringing phone on Monday morning.
"Most people want to know when the power is going to come on," she said. "I explain to them that NYSEG is still assessing the damage."
Anyone seeking information or help is advised to call 914-669-KING (914-669-5464). In case of emergency call 911.
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