City of Rochester
News Release
(Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019) – While the sun may be shining
now, Mayor Lovely A. Warren is asking residents to be prepared for a
significant wind storm, only leave home if necessary, and abide by the Monroe
County travel advisory starting at 1 p.m.
“I’m asking our residents to please be vigilant and
prepare for a sudden and intense wind storm at some point this afternoon,”
Mayor Warren said. “Take the time now to bring in any loose objects from
outdoors, and also check in on your neighbors. The Gantt Center is open for
anyone needing shelter or assistance. Rochester is no stranger to major storms –
and if and when the power does go out, the greatest resource we have is each
other.”
“I would also like to take a moment to thank all of the
first responders, environmental services crews and others who are monitoring
conditions carefully and prepared to brave this storm to assist our residents,
and also Gov. Andrew Cuomo and our partners in state government who have
generously offered us any resources we might need.”
A high wind warning is in effect until 10 a.m. tomorrow,
according to the National Weather Service. The strongest winds will take place
this evening.
The David F. Gantt Center at 700 North Street is now open
around the clock for as long as necessary as an emergency shelter and warming
center. Mt. Hope and Riverside cemeteries will close at noon, and the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Park and Genesee Valley Park Ice Rinks are also closed. Refuse
and recycling is delayed by one day this week.
The City Department of Environmental Services will have
24-hour coverage to address any ramifications from the storm.
Please bring pets inside.
The Rochester Police Department, Fire Department and 911
are calling in additional staff to respond to an anticipated increase in
emergency calls. 311 will have extended hours, remaining open until 8 p.m.
today.
The Rochester Fire Department asks residents to use
caution while heating their homes. Do not use electrical generators indoors,
and never use the stove or gas range in your kitchen to heat your home. Please
do not touch any downed lines, or tree limbs or debris stuck in these lines,
which carry strong electric currents. If you smell natural gas, leave the area
and call 911 or RG&E.
To report power outages, downed power lines or natural
gas leaks, call 800-743-1701 or visit https://ebiz1.rge.com/cusweb/OutageNotification.aspx.
Other reminders:
• City 911 and 311 call centers see a high call volume
during weather events. To avoid phone lines being overwhelmed, citizens are
asked to call 911 only if they are in need of police, fire or ambulance
services, and 311 for questions about City services.
• Residents are urged to register their cell phones for
HyperReach, 911’s emergency notification system, to be notified in the event of
an emergency. Enroll here: www.cityofrochester.gov/knownow.