Some research on Sandy's damage, and an "Athena" snow storm chaser show that in Westchester County, NY, we are almost back to normal!
Just wanted to update everyone and did some research for our clients, as far aways as southern Long Island -- they are insurance clients who called our Servpro of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon in Westchester County because no one else could help them.
Below are some Helpful Hints & Safety Tips from Hillary on Carbon Monoxide and other health threats. Some New York and New Jersey residents have already lost their lives becuase of CO2 poisening.
But first, here are the latest numbers for power still our in the region, as of this weekend
Power Outages as of 8:00 pm, Saturday, November 10, 2012:
| Con Edison | 40,047 |
| LIPA | 117,239 |
| TOTAL | 157,286 |
You can find out more about Contact and Outage information at most area Power Companies at the following numbers:
Central Hudson: 1-845-452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714
Con Ed: 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633)
LIPA: 1-800-490-0075
National Grid: or 1-800-867-5222 (Upstate Electricity), 1-800-892-2345 (Upstate Gas), 1-718-643-4050 (Metro Area Gas), 1-800-490-0045 (Long Island Gas)
NYSEG: 1-800-572-1121
Orange & Rockland: 1-877-434-4100
RG&E: 1-800-743-1702
One concern as we try to get back to normal from Superstorm Sandy, from Scarsdale to Mount Vernon, NY -- and, especially in the hard hit Rockaways -- is safety, using generators and other tools.
Carbon Monoxide
The power is out but I have a generator. What do I need to know? Never run generators in indoor spaces such as garages, basements, porches, crawlspaces or sheds, or in partly enclosed spaces such as carports or breezeways. You could end up with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO).
What is CO (carbon monoxide)? CO is called the “silent killer” because it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating gas. If the early signs of CO poisoning are ignored, a person could lose consciousness and be unable to escape danger.
More people die from CO poisoning than any other kind of poisoning.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
CO prevents the body from getting oxygen. Symptoms may include:
- headaches
- dizziness,
- nausea and weakness,
- loss of muscle control,
- shortness of breath,
- chest tightness,
- visual changes,
- sleepiness,
- fluttering of the heart,
- redness of the skin
- confusion
At high levels or continued exposure, CO can cause loss of consciousness, brain damage or death.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu. How can I know?
With CO poisoning, symptoms may occur or get worse when you turn on the fuel-burning device. Also, more than one person in the house gets sick at the same time, unlike flu that takes time to pass from person to person. Lastly, symptoms are worse in a certain location but them get better when you leave that area.
What should I do if I suspect CO poisoning?
- Get outside immediately to get fresh air. Call 911 if you suspect that you or someone else has CO poisoning.
- Contact the fire department
Are some people more sensitive to the effects of CO? Yes. Even low levels of CO can be a concern for the elderly, infants, the unborn, those with anemia, or those with heart or breathing problems.
What other way might I be exposed to carbon monoxide during the power outage? Be careful about the use of these appliances as they can cause a buildup of toxic CO gas:
- Never use a gas range or oven for warmth.
- Never use a charcoal grill or barbecue grill in your home or garage.
- Never start a generator or chainsaw in enclosed spaces.
- Never use a stove or fireplace unless it is properly installed and vented.
Many of us had tree damage on our properties from Sandy and even "Athena," last week's Nor'Easter. Here are some tips on not getting hurt due to cleaning up down branches and trees:
Chainsaw Safety:
The wind knocked down a lot of trees in my area, but I have a chainsaw. Can I do my own cleanup? It is best to consider a professional tree service. Pruning and removing limbs from storm damaged trees is not the same thing as cutting firewood from a tree already on the ground. Branches and trees that are twisted and bent are usually under a strain that you might not see until a chainsaw hits it and releases the stored energy. There are many safe work practices associated with chainsaw use that are provided during a hands-on training. For more information, you can visit: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/chainsaw_safety.htm.
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