Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services

Winter Plan

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• Injuries related to Cold
• How to Prepare
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KNOW YOUR WINTER
WEATHER TERMS

Injuries Related to Cold

Stay Warm, Dress Warm, Stay Connected!

Are You Prepared?

• Pre-Winter Home Preparation

  Before the winter season begins you need to make sure you can heat your home sufficiently.

  • Check and replace if needed you home insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
  • If you have a backup generator, make sure it is fueled in and good working order.
  • If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, have it serviced.
  • Make sure you have an adequate amount of firewood on hand.
  • Check extension cords to make sure they are in good working order.
  • Test fire alarms and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
  • Make sure you have adequate heating oil.
  • Purchase salt for sidewalks and driveway
  • Have shovels handy.

  During the Storm: 

  • Keep the temperature in the home consistent during the day and night.
  • To conserve fuel, keep your home slightly cooler than usual.
  • If you leave home for an extended period of time, set the temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees.
  • Seal off rooms that are not being used. Turn off heating vents in those areas and place towels under the doors to prevent drafts.
  • Make sure all exterior and garage doors are closed.
  • If using Kerosine heaters, refuel them outside of the house and when using indoors keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.
  • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
  • Make sure all portable and electric heaters have an automatic shut off.
  • Avoid using candles as a source of heat.

  • Let your faucets drip to make sure the pipes don’t freeze.
  • Prop open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom so warmer air can circulate around the plumbing.
  • If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in towels or rags.
  • Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
  • Shut of the main water pipes to minimize damage to the home.
  • Keep an eye on the snow accumulating on the roof. One foot of snow is not likely to cause damage but with every inch the weight of the snow increases and could become a problem.

• Home Preparedness Supplies

  • Bottled water on hand in case of no water. If the storm is ongoing, it is recommended to have one gallon of water per person for each day.
  • Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food on hand.
    • Nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, jerky\
    • Non-electric can opener.
  • Make sure all electronic devices are charged. - phones, tablets, etc.
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Lighters or matches.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Prescription drugs and medication
  • First aid kit
    • Adhesive bandages
    • Medical Tape
    • Antiseptic
    • Gauze
    • Scissors

  What to do During the Storm

  • Remember to stay hydrated.
  • Stay well nourished. Eating generates energy and helps to keep your body warm.
  • Avoid over exertion such as shoveling snow and walking in deep snow; Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.

• Pre-Winter Vehicle Preparation

  • Have your vehicle serviced prior to the winter months.
  • Have an oil change if needed.
  • Check battery and replace if needed.
  • Check your window wipers and replace if worn.
  • Make sure all vehicle fluids are at the proper levels. Especially window wiper fluid.
  • Check to see if the car tires are inflated to the recommended amount.
  • Check spare tire to make sure it is inflated.
  • Make sure your brakes are in good working order!

• Vehicle Specific Emergency Kit

  1. Snow tire chains
  2. Tow ropes
  3. Jack and lug wrench
  4. Window scraper
  5. Shovel
  6. Sand, salt, or kitty litter
  7. Jumper cables
  8. Flares
  9. Flashlight with spare batteries
  10. Extra window washing fluid.
  11. Phone chargers
  12. First Aid kit
  13. Tool Kit
  14. Duct Tape
  15. Blankets
  16. Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
  17. Spare Cash and change
  18. Maps, toilet paper, paper towels and garbage bags

• Vehicle Tips During the Storm

  1. When warming up your vehicle, make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.
  2. Using hand sanitizer on the key before placing in lock will help with turn locks that may be frozen.
  3. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and top off your window wiper fluid.
  4. Place a window cleaner and snow shovel in your vehicle.

• How to Prepare for an outage

  Items to keep on hand:

  • Cooler to keep perishable food cold.
  • Ice to place in the coolers
  • Flashlight with new batteries
  • Radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Medications
  • Charged Cell phones.

  What to do during a power outage:

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.
  • Then use food from the freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
  • Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
  • If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
  • Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
  • Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
  • Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
  • Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
  • Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested. Using generators safely.
  • When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home’s electrical system.
  • If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need.

   What to do when the power comes back on:

  • Do not touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them.
  • Report downed power lines to the appropriate officials in your area.
  • Throw out unsafe food.
  • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
  • Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can start growing quickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.
  • If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
  • If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with the food thermometer. Throw out any foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feels warm to touch. Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills
  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
  • The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
  • If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.

• Driving in Winter Conditions

  Before you leave your house:

  1. Consider public transportation if available.
  2. Check the latest weather conditions on your planned travel route.
  3. Be especially cautious in sleet and freezing rain.
  4. Travel during the day and avoid nighttime driving.
  5. Provide your itinerary to a friend, relative or coworker including the route you will travel and time frame.
  6. Make sure to let them know you arrived safely

  Driving Tips (not sure if we can use this)

  • Buckle your seatbelts.
  • Be prepared to turn back if the roads are unpassable.
  • Keep your windows clear of ice and snow. Do not drive until your windows are defrosted.
  • Increase following distance from other vehicles.
  • Watch for slick spots especially under bridges and on overpasses.
  • If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start off slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to a stop sign or intersection.
  • IF you start to slide ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction and then straighten your vehicle.
  • When a snowplow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for the truck to pass. When the center line is being cleared and salted, the plow tip may be on or over the line.
  • When you approach a snowplow from behind pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the truck. You should not try to pass in the blowing snow there may be a vehicle in the cloud of snow. Allow more distance between you and the plow than normal.
  • Refuel often keeping your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave you stranded.

• If You Are in an Accident or are Stranded

  • Pull of the road as far as possible
  • Set hazard lights to flashing and hang or tie a colored cloth to your antenna window or door.
  • After the snow stops falling, raise your hood to indicate you need assistance.
  • Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). 
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow call a towing company but be prepared to wait in the cold weather for up to several hours.
  • If you can be safely pulled out by another vehicle, make sure you use tow ropes with loops on the ends. Avoid chains or hooks if at all possible since these can slip off and recoil very quickly causing injury or death.
  • Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
  • Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour.  Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
  • Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
  • Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. 
  • Huddle together for warmth. Wrap yourself in newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats to help trap more body heat.
  • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.
  • Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
  • Auto accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved. If you have recently been involved in an accident, begin reporting a claim.

  Be Prepared

  • Carry a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares in your trunk to help alert traffic.
  • It also helps to have a pen and a card with any relevant medical information for you and your family.

  Immediately After an Accident

  • Take a deep breath and stay calm.
  • Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
  • If accident is minor, move cars to a safe place, out of traffic.
  • Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
  • Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
  • Notify your insurance agent immediately.

  Other Important Tips

  • Make immediate notes about the accident, including specific damages to all vehicles involved, witness information, etc.
  • If the name on an auto registration is different than the driver, jot down the relationship.
  • Be polite, but don’t tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
  • State only the facts and limit your discussion of the accident to the police and your insurance agent.
  • If possible, don’t leave the accident scene before the police and other drivers do.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

BEWARE-WOLF PRESENTS:

Operation Halloween
Candy Safety

• Tips & Suggestions to Keep Children Safe
• Don't Be Tricked

• Home
• Don't Be Tricked
• Information
• Guidelines
• Tips

DON'T BE TRICKED BY YOUR TREATS!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Edibles!

  Edibles are food and drink products that are made with marijuana extract. Marijuana edibles come in various forms and can be commercially made or homemade.  

  Edibles take longer to digest and produce a high. Therefore, youth may consume more to feel the effects faster, leading to an increase in dangerous results. (National Institutes of Health) 

  Edibles come in candy, cookies, and ice cream which are attractive to youth. (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) 

  Taken in large doses, marijuana edibles can lead to anxiety attacks, paranoia, and hallucinations. Several case reports involving kids who took edibles found that respiratory insufficiency can also be a major side effect in young children. (Drug Abuse, American Addiction Centers) 

• DELTA 8 Edibles

  Delta 8 - Delta-8 THC (or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring chemical compound, called a cannabinoid, that’s found in traces in hemp and cannabis(marijuana) plants.

  In some states, you can legally buy products like gummies, vapes cartridges, and capsules that contain a concentrated form of this compound.

  The popularity of products that contain delta-8 is on the rise, and you can find them everywhere, from boutique weed dispensaries to convenience store shelves.

  • FDA warns about drug packaged to look like candy - a video excerpt from Good Morning America

• THC and Cannabis Edibles

  THC gummies — also known as weed gummies or marijuana gummies — are edible cannabis products that are infused with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC gummies can often look just like regular candy, making them a tempting snack for kids.

  In addition to gummies, other edible cannabis products containing THC may include:

  Chocolate bars, candies, lollipops, fudge, popcorn, and ice cream.

  Baked items like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.

  Sweetened beverages like soda and lemonade.

  These cannabis products often look like a real piece of candy or sweet treat, but just one serving may contain several times the recommended dose of THC for adults, making children very sick and may require a trip to the emergency department or hospitalization. (American Association of Poison Control Centers)

  • News 10:Health Officials Urge Parents to Check Halloween Candy:
  • News 2 WFMY: High Police Crackdown on Look-Alike THC Products

• Keep an eye out for confusing THC packaging

  Manufactured cannabis edibles containing THC have often been packaged to look just like regular foods. In recent years, many states — including California — have put laws in place to make sure that marijuana edible packages are clearly marked and not enticing for children. (American Association of Poison Control Centers)

  WRAL News State Targets Counterfeit THC Laced Snacks:

• Signs of a THC Overdose General Population

  If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911.

  A marijuana overdose is becoming increasingly common for a variety of reasons. An overdose of THC is dose-related, and the risk of overdose is higher when eating marijuana vs. smoking it.

  Common symptoms of a THC overdose can inlcude:

  • Poor cognitive functioning.
  • Motor impairment.
  • Anxiety, Panic and fear.
  • Agitation.
  • Extreme sedation.
  • Cardiac stress.
  • Vomiting.
  • Psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions).

• Signs of a THC Overdose in Children

  If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911.

  The concentration and strength of THC in these edible products is very difficult to measure and is often unknown. Consuming even a small amount of THC in a gummy or baked item can cause kids to experience symptoms of a marijuana overdose.

  Children who have consumed cannabis edibles may:

  • Act lethargic.
  • Feel dizzy.
  • Have trouble walking or sitting up.
  • Have an accelerated heart rate.
  • Have trouble breathing.

CANDY INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Sorting Sweets while looking for the Imitations:

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

DIAL 9.8.8. IF YOU NEED TO TALK.

THE 988 LIFELINE IS HERE.

BACK TO HOPE HOME

GET
INVOLVED

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

• Task Force meetings

  The Putnam County Suicide Prevention Task Force is a coalition composed of dedicated volunteers working to combat suicide in the community.  Members represent a diverse group of professionals including those from mental health and chemical dependency organizations, county departments (such as health, mental health, the Veterans Service Agency, and the Youth Bureau), schools, law enforcement, the coroner's office, clergy, and individuals personally affected by suicide.  Together, they strive to foster collaboration and implement meaningful change.

  The task force meets quarterly.  Please email Marla Behler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with "SPTF member sign up" in the subject line to join our e-distro list or for the date/time of our next meeting.  Everyone is welcome!

• Garden of remembrance

  The Nicole Ettere Memorial Gardens Foundation, Inc. (NEMGF) is dedicated to supporting suicide survivors, those who are left behind struggling to deal and cope with these heartbreaking tragedies of suicide.  It is the Foundation’s goal to create memorial Gardens of Remembrance so that survivors may have a place to go to remember their loved ones who have ended their lives by suicide.  These gardens will be a place to reflect and keep the memory of their loved ones alive.  It is also the Foundation’s goal to increase suicide awareness among the general public to bring about change, help reduce the stigma, and break the silence associated with suicide. 

  The Garden of Remembrance is located at 110 Old Route Six, Carmel, NY.  It was created after Roy and Lucille Ettere lost their daughter, Nicole, by suicide.  They wanted to support other suicide loss survivors by giving them a place to honor their loved ones.  This Garden was dedicated in 2021.  A second garden is planned this year on the Putnam Trailway behind Cove Care.

   

  Contact and email:  Roy Ettere, 914-469-7307, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  For Putnam County residents, the family may request their loved one to be included on the bronze plaque (we usually place a "click here to add your loved one's name"  button on our emails and embed this form for their use: CLICK HERE

  Here is the link for survivors to include a memorial tribute of their loved one on the website: CLICK HERE

• Out of the Darkness Walk

  Join Us Today! 

  The Community Walks, held in hundreds of cities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.
  Now, more than ever, it’s important to be there for one another and take steps to safeguard our mental health and prevent suicide.

  Register today and be part of the movement to walk #OutOftheDarkness.
  

  Find an event

  The Putnam Out of the Darkness Walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 28th

• LOSS Team Volunteer

  Putnam County recently received a grant from the NYS Office of Mental Health, in partnership with the Suicide Prevention Center of New York to develop a LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide).  Losing someone to suicide is a deeply personal and challenging experience.  Statistics show that those impacted by a loss to suicide are at greater risk for suicide themselves and many may not reach out for help for years. Our goal is to change that!

  Stigma around suicide often makes people afraid to say or do the wrong thing so often times, they do nothing at all. LOSS Teams connect survivors of suicide loss with trained peer supporters—people who have experienced a similar loss and truly understand the journey. These teams provide comfort, understanding, and resources at one of the most difficult times in someone’s life.

  LOSS Teams were developed to have ‘peers’, other survivors of suicide, trained to provide support which is recognized nationally as a best practice.  While others can be sympathetic, only those impacted by suicide loss themselves can truly know what that experience feels like.

  In an effort to develop our LOSS team in Putnam, we are seeking survivors of suicide to provide emotional support and resources to those impacted by that suicide.  All Putnam LOSS team volunteers will receive training through the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), through their Healing Conversations Program.  Putnam County has faced the heartbreaking reality of suicide.  On average, we lose approximately 14 lives each year.

  To apply to be a Westchester/Hudson Valley AFSP Volunteer who would serve in Putnam County, please click on this link to apply:

  https://afsp.wufoo.com/forms/s1fu59op1tule8n/

  If you have any questions or would like to get involved in another capacity, please contact us:

  Marla Behler, LOSS Team Coordinator and Suicide Prevention Task Force Co-Chair

  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  845-808-1400, ext. 11140

  Megan Castellano, LOSS Team Coordinator and Suicide Prevention Task Force Co-Chair

  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  845-519-3522

• Putnam PALS

  PUTNAM PALS: Our Volunteer Outreach Program (PUTNAM PALS) is designed to bring joy, companionship, and meaningful connections to the lives of older adults. Each older adult is carefully paired with a compassionate, trustworthy, and fully screened volunteer to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Once matched, they can engage in enriching conversations, play games, watch TV shows together, and more. This program fosters social connections, combats loneliness, and enhances the well-being of older adults, making a profound impact on their lives.

  Click here to learn more about the program, how to volunteer as a companion, or how to participate as an older adult. (LINK COMING SOON)

• Compassion Rock Garden

  The Compassion Rock Gardens initiative is a community-driven effort in Putnam County to spread kindness, resilience, and support through painted rocks with inspirational messages. Plans are underway to establish the first garden in Spring 2025, serving as a place of solace and connection. We hope to expand to additional locations throughout the county. Community members can get involved by painting and placing rocks, hosting or attending rock painting events, or simply visiting the gardens for encouragement. Stay tuned for information on our ribbon-cutting event, where we will proudly present the first location! Join us in creating a more compassionate and uplifting environment. Click here to learn more and get involved. (LINK COMING SOON)

Parks & Recreation

Putnam County

Parks & Recreation
Bill Pay

About Parks & Recreation Bill Pay

• Send a Check to  201 Gipsy Trail Road
  Carmel, NY 10512

• Click here to  go to a 3rd party site to pay your bill

Mission Statement

Contact the

Parks & Recreation Department

• Office | 845.808.1994

• Fax | 845.225.2715

• Email |  Send us a message

• Address | 201 Gipsy Trail Road
  Carmel, NY 10512