For Immediate Release

August 27, 2011

Supervisor Declares State of Emergency for Town of Clarkstown

Will Be Issuing Emergency Orders Regarding Vehicular Traffic, Closure of Businesses and Evacuation of Designated Areas South of Lake DeForest

(New City, NY) – Supervisor Alexander J. Gromack today declared a State of Emergency in the Town of Clarkstown effective 12pm due to the effects of Hurricane Irene including the possibility of sustained high winds, local flooding and loss of power.   

A State of Emergency gives the Supervisor broad powers to protect the public health and safety of residents who may be affected by the flooding.  Under the State of Emergency, the Supervisor directed all departments and agencies of the Town to take whatever steps are necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide any necessary emergency assistance. 

The Town of Clarkstown has begun implementing their emergency response plan and coordination of all responding agencies.  The Town's Emergency Operation Center is now in operation.  Town officials and staff are manning the Emergency Operations Center this evening.  The Supervisor will be issuing Local Emergency Orders within the next two hours pertaining to vehicular travel, closure of business and mandatory evacuation zones, specifically in the neighborhoods south of the Lake DeForest Reservoir.

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