When you hear the term emergency management, perhaps what comes to mind are the efforts to recover from a major disaster such as a severe winter storm or a major hurricane or flood. But the work begins long before the disaster strikes, and the most important steps all of us can take are those which mitigate the impact of disasters and, on the micro level, help keep our community safe.
This winter, we’ve heard a lot about the home heating fuel crisis, and other economic factors that are making the winter a hard one, but there are things you can do to help stay safe and help your neighbors too:
- Watch out for your elderly relatives and neighbors (hypothermia kills over 350 senior citizens each year in the US); call the UC Office for Aging at 340-3456 for more information.
- Help those who might need the assistance that is available use it effectively. There is an Ulster County Winter Watch pamphlet available in the town hall which lists other phone numbers for agencies which can assist.
- If your local church, synagogue or faith-based group has a “helping hands” type of program, volunteer to assist.
- Be safe in your own home and auto; pick up a Winter Safety Tips flyer available at the town hall and learn how to be prepared for winter emergencies.
- If you are aware of any winter hazards in the town, report them to the proper authorities.
If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us.
| Greg Finger | 895-2974
926-7560 (cell) |
| Main # for all Ulster County Problems | 2-1-1 |
| HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) Provides funding to help pay heating bills for low-income | 334-5436 |
| Office for the Aging (individuals age 60 and over) | 340-3456 |
| Family of Woodstock, New Paltz | 255-8801 |
| United Way of Ulster County | 331-4199 |
| American Red Cross | 338-7020 |
The number for emergencies continues to be 9-1-1