Author: Wendy Burton

Severe Storms Bringing Strong Winds, Heavy Rain Could Cause Electric Service Interruptions

Central Hudson Gas & Electric is advising local residents to prepare for severe thunderstorms that have the potential to bring damaging winds, hail and heavy rain to the area on Thursday afternoon and into the evening. These conditions could cause electric service interruptions.

“Preliminary forecasts suggest these storms could bring wind gusts of over 55 mph, large hail and heavy rains to the area,” said Ryan Hawthorne, Assistant Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson. “We will continue to closely monitor the weather conditions and prepare for any potential outages that could result from storm damages by readying equipment and personnel, and maintaining contact with regional utilities and local emergency responders.”

Sustained winds and strong wind gusts can cause trees and limbs to fall on power lines, causing hazardous conditions. Residents are reminded to stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines, remembering that lines can be hidden within fallen limbs, and to assume that any downed line is live, Hawthorne said.

“With families working and schooling from home, we know how critical electrical service is to stay connected,” Hawthorne continued. “Our crews will continue to adhere to CDC and state guidelines and practice social distancing while restoring electric service as safely and efficiently as possible.”

Hawthorne recommended ways in which customers can prepare for the storm and potential electric service interruptions by:

·       Paying attention to weather advisories, storm outage updates and/or shelter information;

·       Charging electronic devices in order to connect with https://StormCentral.CenHud.com;

·       Keeping handy a flashlight and fresh batteries;

·       Having a battery-powered radio to remain informed of restoration efforts;

·       Confirming adequate packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, and if shopping in advance of storms limiting quantities of perishable food;

·       Avoiding opening a refrigerator unnecessarily during outages, so that food lasts longer;

·       Having a non-electric can opener;

·       Keeping an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing; and

·       Filling bathtubs with water as added reserves.

In addition, customers are advised to keep safety in mind, especially during service interruptions:

·       Never use outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off carbon monoxide gas;

·       Beware of fallen trees and limbs, and use caution or traveling;

·       Avoid the use of candles for illumination due to fire hazards;

·       Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and operate the units outdoors;

·       Operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never inside the garage; and

·       Avoid travel along roadways as hazardous conditions may cause driving accidents, including those involving utility poles which may cause power interruptions.

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 smart phones: A mobile version of the Central Hudson’s website can be accessed by web-enabled cell phones and mobile devices at https://mobile.CenHud.com. Free Central Hudson mobile applications for Android and Apple and are also available by logging onto CentralHudson.com/mobileapp;

·       Through social media: “Like” Central Hudson on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ CentralHudson) and “Follow” on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/CentralHudson); and

·       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.

TOWN OF STANFORD HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT is now accepting applications for a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator [HMEO]. A CDL license is required. Send or deliver resumes on or before August 21, 2020 to:

Town of Stanford Highway Department ATT: Jim Myers, Superintendent of Highways

11 Creamery Road   Stanfordville, New York 12581

or call 845 868 7804 for more information

Born on August 8, 2020 to Shannon and James Evans.

We welcome you to this beautiful, crazy planet and wish you every happiness.

We are thrilled to have been able to meet the many challenges of COVID and still have our Rec Park open for the season.  Lauren Osterman, our Rec Supervisor, has been steadfast in her writing and enforcing of protocols, which all were approved by the Dutchess County Board of Health.

Because of staffing issues, with some of our Life Guards leaving before Labor Day, and the necessity to at all times have someone 18 years or older working the waterfront, we will be closing the Rec on August 30th.

Thank everyone who participated in utilizing the Rec and helping to keep it safe.  Next year we are hopeful COVID will be behind us and we can return to a completely full schedule.

The Stanford Business Association is Co-Sponsoring  the first Summertime Concert Series in the Park featuring The Saints of Swing !  The event will take place on Saturday, August 29th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  Please pre-register HERE.  The event will take place on the lawn around the Rec Pavilion and family ‘pod’ circles will be painted on the grass.  The “pods” will provide social distancing and masks must be worn into the park and when moving around the aisles.  We are SO grateful to the Stanford Business Association for working with the Town to bring community together through music.  See you there!