Update: 4,800 Still Without Power; Shelter Remains Open

From the City of White Plains:

Dry Ice – Dry ice is being distributed by Con Edison today at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue in White Plains, until 6:00 p.m. or until supplies run out.

There will also be Con Ed Community Relations personnel at the Dry Ice distribution points to answer any questions from the public.

Power Restoration – Only Con Edison restores power. Con Edison has advised the City that approximately 4,800 customers in White Plains remain without power. Immediately after the storm there were over 12,000 residents without power, so progress is being made. But that doesn’t mean much if you are among the number that still do not have power.

More than a dozen crews are working to restore power in the city today. We have heard of people being informed by Con Edison that their power has been restored when that is not in fact the case. If that has happened to you, please call 1-800-75-CONED immediately to re-report the outage.

City of White Plains Emergency Shelter – The City of White Plains emergency shelter remains open for White Plains residents who need shelter. The shelter is now located at the Community Center, 65 Mitchell Place in downtown White Plains. Cots, blankets and warm food will be provided. Please avai lyourself of this shelter and speak to any elderly or frail neighbors about doing the same, as temperatures will continue to fall at night.

Residents should bring with them personal care items, medications and a flashlight. Residents may also want to bring a battery operated radio, books and/or magazines, non-perishable snacks and items to entertain children.

Helping Out – Anyone who knows White Plains knows that we have a high level of volunteerism in this community. Not surprisingly, we have had a number of residents volunteer to help and want to acknowledge and thank those who have offered assistance. If you would like to assist, there are many opportunities to do so, from going door-to-door to donating food and blankets, please call (914) 422-1411.

Staying Updated - Those who do not have phone service at home because of lack of power may not be receiving the Mayor’s daily updates to residents. We understand that lack of information can be extremely frustrating. Here are some other options for those without phone service:

• Monitor the City’s website, www.cityofwhiteplains.com.
• Call the Storm Hotline: (914) 422-5150 (English) / (914) 422-5160 (Spanish).
• Ask your phone carrier to forward your calls to your mobile phone
• Check the City’s cable channel (Cablevision Channel 75 & Verizon Channel 47).
• Go to the White Plains Public Library, where they are distributing hard copies of the updates.
• Register your mobile phone and/or email on the City’s Code Red notification system. Hard copies of the enrollment forms are available at the Library (return to City Hall in person, by mail or fax:(914) 422-1395) or click onto the Code Red icon on the City’s homepage, fill out the enrollmentform and submit it online.
• Follow the Mayor on Twitter: @wpmayorroach.

Election Day – Tuesday, November 6 is Election Day. All City of White Plains polling locations will be open and ready for voters tomorrow from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Don’t Forget to Vote!

Safety Tips –- Leave one lamp on to let you know when power has come back up. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles as much as possible, as candles are a fire hazard. Turn off major appliances. An overload could happen when the power is restored if all appliances kick back on at once. Do not operate electrical generators indoors (this includes your garage), as it could lead to carbonmonoxide poisoning. Only use generators in a well—ventilated area. Never use the stove or gas range in your kitchen to heat your home. Stay away from downed power lines. All power lines should be considered live. If you suspect a gas leak, smell gas or hear gas escaping from pipes, shut off the main gas valve and open all doors and windows to ventilate. Do not operate electrical generators indoors.

Gasoline – There continues to be a wait at many gas stations around the city. Gasoline deliveries are being made. Residents are urged to avoid driving, car pool and consolidate errands to conserve gas as much as possible. Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection is monitoring gasoline prices throughout the County. Consumers may report potential price gouging to County Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155.

Showers - The following community facilities have generously opened their doors for White Plains residents without power to enjoy a hot shower. Please bring your own supplies, including towels, soap and shampoo. Also bring personal identification for registration and security purposes. Showers are available for those who need them at the following locations:

White Plains YMCA, 250 Mamaroneck Avenue Hours: Mon-Fri 5:15 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sun 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

White Plains YWCA, 515 North Street: Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

New York Sports Club, City Center: Hours: Mon-Sun 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Planet Fitness, 33 South Broadway: Hours: Mon-Fri 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Weekends 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hot Lunch for Seniors @ the Community Center - The City of White Plains Community Center, located at 65 Mitchell Place, will be serving hot lunches through its Nutrition Program. Please call 914-422-1424 to make reservations.

Library - The White Plains Public Library is open and continuing to provide additional power strips to patrons to charge their electronic devices. Library Hours: Mon and Wed – 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. The library will be closed on Tuesday for election day.

Disaster Assistance to Individuals & Households - President Obama’s Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New York, issued on Oct. 30, 2012, has been amended to include Westchester County.The disaster declaration triggers the release of Federal funds to help individuals and communities recoverfrom Hurricane Sandy.

This means that Westchester residents can register with the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) and apply for disaster assistance.

To learn more about the types ofassistance available and eligibility, register with FEMA via any one of the following methods:

• Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Apply via smartphone at m.fema.gov.
• Call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362; those who have a speechdisability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for thosewho use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The City of White Plains Recreation & Parks Department has re-scheduled its Halloween Tricks & Treats Event to Saturday, November 10th, 12:00 - 3:00 PM at Gillie Park. Kids activities, games and music will all be available.