Saugerties prepares for power outages, flooding

Meanwhile in the bunker: members of the Saugerties fire companies along with town supervisor Kelly Myers and police Chief Joseph Sinagra met Sunday morning to discuss plans on how best to deal with the storm

While no mandatory evacuations have yet been ordered in Saugerties, residents who live in areas prone to flooding should expect to be asked to leave their homes should water levels continue to rise.

Police Chief Joseph Sinagra, speaking at a meeting of the chiefs of the town and village’s fire departments, Diaz Ambulance, and elected officials Saturday morning, explained that while there is no law requiring residents to comply with a mandatory evacuation order, folks in evacuation zones who end up needing to be rescued could be hit with a reckless endangerment charge and/or a fine afterward.

“It would just make more sense and make it easier for them that they leave their homes if they are asked to,” Sinagra said.

Flyers to this effect, prepared by town supervisor Kelly Myers, are now being distributed. The town will set up a shelter at the Senior Center, corner of Market and Robinson streets, should it be needed. Anyone who is evacuated to the Senior Center is asked to bring their own blanket and pillow, because while the town has cots to sleep on, it does not have any bedding.

Channel 23, the town’s public access, will continuously broadcast up-to-date information about the storm and what services are being offered by the town and village.

The town and village’s websites will also have emergency information.

Should residents need emergency assistance call 911, for information about sheltering or evacuating homes call 845-246-9800, which is the police department’s Emergency Operation Center.

How to prepare for Sandy.