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Rockland County Urges Residents to Prepare for Emergencies During National Preparedness Month 2025

Published

1 year ago

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September marks National Preparedness Month, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting disaster readiness and encouraging individuals and communities to plan ahead for emergencies. In recognition of this initiative, the Rockland County Department of Health is calling on residents to take proactive steps to ensure their families are prepared for unexpected events.

“By being informed and having a well-thought-out plan tailored to your specific needs, you can significantly enhance your ability to handle major emergencies or disasters,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “We urge everyone to stay informed, develop a comprehensive emergency plan, and act now to create a safer and more resilient future.”

Key Steps to Be Prepared:

  • Build an Emergency Supply Kit: Include enough non-perishable food and water to last at least 10 days. Plan for 1–2 gallons of water per person per day.

  • Have Essential Equipment: Keep battery-powered radios, flashlights, and extra batteries on hand.

  • Stay Connected: Keep cell phones charged and have backup power sources available to receive alerts or call for help.

  • Plan for Health Needs: Maintain a stocked first aid kit and a 10-day supply of prescription medications.

  • Protect Important Documents: Store items like medical records, insurance policies, and ID cards in waterproof containers. Keep small amounts of cash available.

  • Plan for Pets: Have food and supplies ready for pets, and make arrangements in case of evacuation.

  • Create a Family Emergency Plan: Make sure every family member knows what to do and how to stay in touch during a crisis.

Stay Informed:

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of multiple resources to stay updated:

  • Download the FEMA App for real-time alerts and safety tips.

  • Sign up for NY-Alert, a free service providing weather and emergency notifications.

  • Register for Rockland County RAVE to receive local emergency notifications and community news.

  • Enroll in the Rockland County Access & Functional Needs Registry to ensure emergency services are aware of any special needs during a disaster.

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies and to access local resources, visit the Rockland County Department of Health – Emergency Preparedness page or the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services.

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Government

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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