City of Rochester
News Release
(Monday, Oct. 29, 2012) – Mayor Thomas S. Richards has declared a State of Emergency for Rochester and announced the following precautions and preparations in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy. Rochester City Hall, Neighborhood Service Centers, City branch libraries, recreation and community centers, parks, cemeteries and all public administrative offices will close at 4 p.m. today.
“Public safety is a priority during this storm,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “It is vital that the City be prepared and that citizens are notified of the steps that are being taken. I urge everyone to use caution and stay home for the afternoon and evening.”
The following delays and cancellations are in place:
- Refuse, recycling and leaf pickup will be delayed by one day.
- All afternoon and evening programs at City Recreation Centers and City Libraries are cancelled.
- Public Meeting on the Joseph Avenue/Kelly Street Intersection Safety at the Baden Street Settlement - 6 p.m. – cancelled.
- Strengthening the Black Family Training: 2– 5 p.m. (Youth Services; Sibley Building – 2nd floor) – cancelled.
- Strengthening the Black Family Training: 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. (MCC Damon City Center; Sibley Building – 4th floor) – cancelled.
The following will close at 4 p.m.:
- City Hall (all customer service functions, i.e. tax window, permits, assessment office, real estate, etc.)
- Neighborhood Service Centers
- Recreation and Community Centers (staff will remain until participants are picked up.)
- Genesee Valley Park Ice Arena
- The Central library and City branch libraries (staff will remain until participants are picked up.)
- Parking Violations Bureau
- City parks and cemeteries due to high winds in heavily treed areas.
The Rochester Fire Department has added five companies and one Battalion Chief to its on-duty personnel. Team leaders of the Civilian Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T) have been placed on alert and notified that their teams may be called if conditions warrant. 911 and 311 will be staffed appropriately for the next 24 hours. The Rochester Police Department will hold over shifts and deploy its Emergency Mobilization Plan as necessary.
City Environmental Services crews will be working in shifts throughout the evening, sweeping underpasses, opening plugged catch basins and drains, and closing roads where necessary. Forestry crews are on standby to respond to any trees that go down during the storm.
The Division of Solid Waste is on alert to remove debris.
Residents are asked to call 311 (or 428-5990 outside city limits) for downed trees or clogged storm drain basins and to call 911 to report downed power lines.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has set up a hotline for New Yorkers to call for information about preparing for the hurricane and its impact at 1-888-769-7243 or 1-518-485-1159. Information is also available for referrals to county emergency management offices and American Red Cross shelters and road closures.
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News Media: Contact City Communications Director Gary Walker at 428-7405 for details.