Rye Schools Closed Wednesday; Halloween Cancelled – Mayor’s Update

Update from Rye Mayor Doug French, 4:30pm Tuesday:

Although the storm has passed, the City is still in public safety mode with many downed wires, damaged trees and traffic control devices.  Residents should limit travel and stay away from wires, hanging branches and fallen trees as the City clears the roadways.  The damage to the City is widespread with both coastal damage and fallen trees.  The tidal surge was well-above normal at 6 to 11 ft.  90% of the City is without power and residents should prepare to be without power from an early estimate of 2-7 days.  This was a major storm like no other, and City officials will continue to work tirelessly with our residents to get the City up and running again.  A few points:

• 4,513 locations are without power in the City.  The City has been working in coordination with Con Edison crews pre/post storm in the following sequence.  First on public safety for live wires and damaged poles.  Second, to restore primary cables which are the main conduits in Rye.  Third, to restore individual resident power on larger grid networks.  Fourth, to restore individual resident power on smaller grid networks.
• Please report downed wires and trees to the Police at 967-1234 who will coordinate with Con Edison.  Power outages to 1-800-75-CON ED.
• The City shelter at Rye Country Day School (Upper Gym) on Grandview Avenue will remain open tonight (10/30).  There were 50 residents last night and the Red Cross will be delivering hot meals tonight.
• In consultation with the School Board President and Superintendent, Rye Public Schools will be closed tomorrow (10/31) due to the public safety issues raised above.  Halloween in the City of Rye will also be postponed with a date to be determined in coordination with the schools.  Block parties are also suspended for (10/31).
• Green waste garbage will stay on schedule for tomorrow (10/31) and residents should cut and bring debris curbside.  Regular garbage pick-up will resume on Thursday (11/1).
• We have had one fire due to a generator possibly inside a garage.  Generators should be kept outside due to carbon monoxide.
• The City used 3 Humvees and 1 rescue truck obtained free from the Federal Government as surplus in its rescue efforts.  These vehicles were very beneficial in reaching locations through high-levels of water and obtained post-Irene.  There were a total of 12 rescues (6 in the afternoon and 6 in the evening).
• The City is awaiting word on the Federal Disaster Declaration from which we can apply for financial relief on overtime, equipment, materials and damage.

Special thanks to our many emergency service personnel — Rye Police, Auxiliary Police, Rye Fire Dept and Volunteer Fire, Emergency Medical personnel, DPW, and all City staff depts including Building, Planning, Recreation, City Manager's office and Engineering who have all worked in concert during this major event.  And to the City Manager and Police Commissioner who led the storm preparation and emergency implementation and made the right calls.