Government

Daylight Saving Time Starts Sunday March 10th Check your Emergency Supply Kit, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Published

9 months ago

March 7, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Use Daylight Saving Time to not only change your clocks, but to update your emergency supply kit. Is it missing any items? Is anything out-of-date, leaking, or damaged?

Don’t have an emergency supply kit yet? Now is the time to put one together! Have a several-day supply of food and water stored in your home, with at least one gallon of water per person per day. Choose foods that are ready to eat, such as peanut butter and canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Remember your pets too! They need their own food and water. Your emergency supply kit should also contain flashlights, a hand-operated can opener, a radio, batteries, and copies of important documents. Depending on your family’s needs, you may also need other supplies.

“Make sure your supplies are relatively up to date, check for expiration dates on your batteries and food, and make sure you keep your supplies in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight,” said Eric Medina, Director of Emergency Preparedness/Public Health.

Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and change replaceable batteries, if needed. Following is information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

The Rockland County Department of Health’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program can assist low to moderate-income residents and seniors, at no charge, with battery changes and alarm replacements as supplies last. For more information, call (845) 364-3290.

For more information about being prepared for emergencies, visit the Rockland County Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness web page.

Community

Rockland Repair Café Residents Can Bring Broken Items To Be Fixed For Free

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

This event brings together skilled volunteer Repair Coaches and residents seeking to repair household items. Participants are invited to bring items such as lamps, clothing, small appliances, wooden items, small furniture, toys, and electronics for evaluation and repair.

Items powered by gas engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment) are not eligible for repair. Additionally, computers and digital devices will not be repaired at this event.

Repair Coaches will evaluate and fix items for free, provided the necessary materials are on hand. These talented volunteers are eager to share their expertise, preserving the art of repair while fostering community connections.

“The ability to fix and repair items is becoming a lost art,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Repair Café not only celebrates this essential skill but also encourages its transfer to the younger generation, ensuring these talents continue to thrive in Rockland County. Events like this reduce landfill waste, foster sustainability, and strengthen our community ties.”

The Rockland Repair Café is a free, youth-friendly event made possible through the support of Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, along with Rockland Green, Pearl River United Methodist Church, and the Pearl River Library. Volunteer Repair Coaches from Woodcraft & Willow and IBEW LU 363 will also participate.

For more information, or to confirm if a Repair Coach can fix your item, please call Kathy Galione at (845) 364-2932, or email [email protected].

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Government

UPDATE: Brush Fire At Rockland Lake

Published

5 days ago

November 18, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

George Hoehmann, Town Supervisor Clarkstown has provided an update as of 11:45AM, Sunday November 17th on the brush fire in Rockland Lake State Park along the Hudson River. Numerous fire departments are on scene including Rockland Lake, Congers Fire Department, Valley Cottage Fire Department 22, Nyack, Piermont Fire Department as well as the Clarkstown Police Department battling the blaze. The location of the fire is difficult to access water is being supplied by fireboats from the river and I am informed that the fire is being contained. The photo from the police drone unit demonstrate the area affected. We will post updates as the situation evolves.