According to the National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to begin this morning through Friday evening. Total snow accumulations are expected to be between 4 and 8 inches. Travel is expected to be difficult during the morning and evening commute. The Highway fleet began work last night, applying a beet juice brine to the roads and sidewalks to prevent icing. The Highway Department, along with support crews from Parks, MSF, Traffic Safety and private contractors, will continue clearing the roads for the duration of the storm. Residents can receive up to the minute updates via the Town of Smithtown App, which is free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
The Town of Smithtown has compiled important information regarding the storm, the cleanup process, reporting power outages and the proper contact information for those in need of further assistance.
Public Safety:
The Department of Public Safety will be staffing the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinating efforts with Suffolk County and PSEG in the event of power outages. Public Safety is urging residents to stay off of the roads, which lessens the potential for accidents. Use extreme caution and if you must travel, please do so with a winter survival kit. In the event you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call authorities. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety by calling (631) 360-7553.
Post Storm Safety: When plowing driveways, please be cognizant not to block fire hydrants with snow mounds. Public Safety Fire Marshals ask that residents using generators be cognizant to place the exhaust facing outwards and at least 20’ away from a building. This can protect loved ones from CO poisoning and can prevent fires caused by generators incorrectly positioned.
Power Outages - PSEG Information: View PSEG Long Island’s outage map Click Here
To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com
To register, have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454)
Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075.
Road Preparations and Snow Cleanup:
Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy reports that crews have been deployed for the duration of the snowfall. The full fleet has been outfitted with Plows and Spreaders for snow removal.
Residents should attempt to remove any waste bins, brush, or leaf bags from the street and park vehicles in driveways so the roads can be plowed efficiently during and after snow accumulation.
To report icing and other issues related to conditions along the roads, please contact the Highway Department at (631) 360-7500.
Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: Please check on your neighbors with disabilities, special needs, or senior citizens. Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food, and blankets. Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency. If further intervention is required, please contact the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642.
Animals & Family Pets: All animals should remain indoors during the freezing temperatures, with the exception of allowing dogs to venture out briefly to go to the bathroom. Outdoor animals should be sheltered indoors for the duration of this storm. To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals, please call (631) 360-7575.
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Stranded Vehicles: If there is an emergency, please dial 9-11 immediately. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety by calling 631-360-7553
Report Power Outages to PSEG: Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454), report it online at MyAccount.psegliny.com, through the PSEG app, or call 1-800-490-0075
Report Gas Outages or Emergencies: If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call National Grid 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-0045 or dial 911 immediately.
LIRR Commuter Travel Information: For information regarding delays or travel questions, contact the LIRR 24 hour travel information center at 718-217-5477
Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM or leave messages after hours.
Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: For assistance with elderly or special needs individuals, contact the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642
Animals & Family Pets: To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals, please call (631) 360-7575