United Way Helping Folks During Sandy

Hurricane Sandy has not officially hit the Hudson Valley yet, but the phone lines at the United Way of Westchester and Putnam's offices are lighting up.

"We are getting hundreds of calls," Naomi L. Adler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, told Patch this afternoon.

On Sunday alone, the United Way's 211 website had about 34,000 web searches, Adler said.

The United Way operates the 2-1-1 helpline and about 30 lines in the White Plains office are fielding resident calls and questions, with some back-up assistance from 2-1-1 call centers in New York state and beyond, Adler said.

The calls vary from storm-related questions from concerned residents around the Hudson Valley to folks wanting reassurance about their safety during Sandy.

"Some people want to know what a state of emergency means for them and some people want to know if they are safe to evacuate," she said.

As of Monday afternoon, folks in the Hudson Valley are still being told to evacuate to emergency shelters or other safe locations with power while they are still able to drive safely, she noted.

The United Way is urging resident to "do whatever they can" to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy tonight.

All residents are able to call 2-1-1 for updated information. Those who still have internet access can get many of their questions answered on the 2-1-1 website. Go to www.hudson211.org for shelter information, storm updates, school closings, road closings and more.

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