Shandaken declares state of emergency

The Town of Shandaken has declared a state of emergency due to the threat of Hurricane Sandy, effective at noon on Sunday.

Town supervisor Rob Stanley told the Watershed Post that a formal emergency declaration would allow the town to prepare more rapidly and efficiently for the storm.

"The reason we're doing a state of emergency now is to allow us to requisition stuff. It allows us to get stuff prepared, and those costs will be reimbursed if a situation does develop," Stanley said.

According to an email sent by county Emergency Communications director Art Snyder, an emergency shelter would be open at the Belleayre Ski Center by 8am on Monday. Emergency plans are being made to host an additional shelter at the Phoenicia Elementary School, but only if Phoenicia is cut off from major road access, like it was during the Irene floods.

The town is asking residents who need immediate assistance to go to the nearest firehouse. Here are the firehouse locations:

Phoenicia/ M.F. Whitney Hose Company – 58 Rt. 214 Phoenicia, NY 12464
Phone: (845) 688-7315

Shandaken/Allaben Hose Company – 7390 Rt. 28, Shandaken NY 12480
Phone: (845) 688-7009

Mount Tremper, Onteora Hose Company – 24 Ingersol Rd. Mt. Tremper, NY 12457
Phone: (845) 688-7158

Big Indian – Oliverea Hose Company – 8 Firehouse Road, Big Indian NY 12410
Phone:(845) 254-9962

Pine Hill Fire District – 265 Main St. Pine Hill, NY 12465
Phone: (845) 254-5244

Updates will be posted at the fire houses, and on the town's website and Facebook page. Ulster County Emergency Services is also posting emergency updates on their blog.

Below: Shandaken's official declaration of emergency.

Shandaken Declaration of Emergency - Sandy