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Village of Rockville Centre Snow Emergency

            The Village of Rockville Centre is preparing for the approaching winter storm forecasted to bring up to three feet of snow, high winds and blizzard conditions across our area from today through midnight Tuesday.  The forecasted blizzard has prompted the Village of Rockville Centre to announce a Snow Emergency.  The Snow Emergency will go into effect at 6p.m. this evening and remain in effect for the duration of the storm.  

            Parking will be prohibited on all streets after 6p.m. Monday evening until notified otherwise.  Following Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of Emergency, a travel ban for all of Long Island's roadways will take effect at 11 p.m. Strong winds and poor visibility will lead to whiteout conditions making travel extremely dangerous.  Motorists are urged not to travel.  Stranded vehicles will hinder snow removal and emergency response operations.  If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  Residents can park in Field 2, located between Centre and Village Avenues from Randall to Washington Avenues, as well as Parking Field 12, located at the North side of Sunrise Highway, N. Forest Ave to Long Beach Road.

            All non-essential Village offices will be closing at 2p.m. on Monday and will remain closed all day Tuesday.  The Recreation Center and Sandel Senior Center have canceled all afternoon activities and will be closing at 2p.m. on Monday and will be closed all day Tuesday.  Additionally, garbage pickup has been suspended for Tuesday, January 26, 2015. 

            Heavy snow and high winds can lead to power outages caused by trees and tree limbs falling onto power lines.  The Village's Electric Department responds to power outages and electric emergencies 24/7. If the expected blizzard conditions occur, it will be very difficult for our crews to get around and safely respond to outages.  We will respond as quickly and safely as possible, but ask for your patience should our crews be delayed.

            In the event you lose power, residents can report a power outage, anytime, by calling 516-766-5800.  Please DO NOT go near any downed wires and always assume that any downed wire is a live electric wire.  Do not approach or drive over a downed wire.  If a wire falls on a vehicle, occupants should stay inside the vehicle until help arrives.

            Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should alert the electric department, police department and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency.  Customers with life-sustaining equipment should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate power restoration cannot be guaranteed.

            The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be working around the clock to ensure the safety of our roadways.  The DPW is responsible for plowing 53 miles of roads, 30 parking fields and all village owned sidewalks.  Throughout the storm the DPW will have over 20 pieces of snow equipment including snow plow vehicles, dump trucks, and pay loaders.  In addition, DPW will be using four small plows and four snow blowers for walks and ramps.

Property owners or occupants are responsible for keeping the sidewalk in front of and adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice.  Property owners are also reminded to remove any snow and ice from fire hydrants and clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for firefighters.  Residents should not throw snow into the street when clearing their driveways and sidewalks.  Residents with concerns can call DPW at 516-678-9288. 

            If needed in an emergency, Nassau County and the American Red Cross will open a shelter at 5:00 p.m. today at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, located at 500 Leonard Blvd. in New Hyde Park.

            We ask residents to help us by removing cars from roadways and by limiting car travel during peak snowfall periods.