PRESS RELEASE 10-16-06
Kathleen Hallock, Supervisor
TOWN OF CLARENCE

The Town of Clarence continues to operate under a State of Emergency.

The Disaster Team and Town Board members have not stopped working since Friday on the Emergency Plan and has received assistance from the Volunteer Fire Companies, Clarence Central School District, NYS Troopers, EC Sheriffs and the County of Erie Department of Emergency Services.

NYSEG continues to reinstate power to customers. On Friday October 13th there were 14,000 customers in Clarence without power and as of this morning 6,500 customers remain without power. We have been working closely with NYSEG throughout the weekend and they continue to give the Town daily updates. In NYSEG's press release today, they stated their goal is to have service restored to the majority of customers by Tuesday night. However, where damage is most severe or in remote areas it may be the end of the week before service is restored.

Anyone with questions can contact the Supervisor's office at 741-8930 between 8:30 and 4:30 pm. If there is an emergency 911 should be called. Other important numbers: NYSEG – 1-800-572-1111, FEMA -1-800-621-3362

The Clarence parks and bike paths are closed until further notice. Williamsville and Clarence Schools will be closed for the remainder of the week. As of today the Clarence Senior Center is without phone service. However there is power in the Senior Center and it opened to provide a warm environment, but no food service is available.

The Town Hall is operating on a generator and will be open regular hours. Payment of school taxes has been extended until October 23rd. The Town Clerk's Office is open from 9 am – 5pm. Tax payments may be placed in the drop box to the right of the front door. Court will be in session as regularly scheduled.

The Highway Department will be clearing the brush until the entire town is clear. Brush should not be placed on the roads or placed where it could block fire hydrants. Brush should be parallel to the road, adjacent to the road, not in it. Other debris should not be included in the brush piles. Town crews will be working from 7am – 6:30 pm. The Town is expecting help from other sources to assist with the clean-up.

Danger from carbon monoxide cannot be stressed enough:

– Generators can cause deadly accumulations of carbon monoxide and should always be operated outside. Make sure exhaust gases are vented away from the house and windows.

– No gas or charcoal grills should be used inside a house.

Everyone's patience is appreciated during this difficult time.

Click here to view photos of the storm