Rockland, Red Cross Open Emergency Shelter At RCC

In response to Saturday’s freak early snow storm, Rockland County is opening an emergency shelter at Rockland Community tonight as a service to the thousands of Rocklanders who remain without power today — and may be without power for days.

County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said the county is working in cooperation with the American Red Cross to create a shelter at the RCC Fieldhouse, 145 College Road, Ramapo. Vanderhoef said that anyone who wishes to use the shelter  should bring the personal items that may need including any prescription medication. The American Red Cross will be staffing the site and bedding and light snacks will be available.

The Town of Clarkstown is also planning to make shelter available to town residents affected by the outages. The town and the county opened shelters in the wake of Hurricane Irene, when thousands of residents were also without power for days.

is advising Rockland County residents, Vanderhoef urged the following precautions:

— Residents should avoid unnecessary travel as many roads have trees and wires down that are blocking the roadway; this allows Orange and Rockland Utilities and the highway departments to clear the roads and restore power.

— Stay clear of downed trees and wires.

— Do not allow to children play outside unsupervised.

— Use caution at traffic signals as many are without power.

— If you must travel please allow extra time.

Because of power outages, public school officials in Nanuet, Clarkstown, Nyack and North Rockland have decided to cancel all classes on Monday.