In Sandy’s wake

WARWICK — Where do we go from here?

There were no fatalities or injuries reported during Hurricane Sandy. And in comparison to the images of the Jersey Shore, Queens, Staten Island and other coastal areas, one might even say we were luckier than most.

Nevertheless, there were homes severely damaged by fallen trees. Thousands were and some may still be without power, running water or heat. Schools and many businesses closed for a week and people waited in long lines to purchase fuel for their cars and generators.

Immediately after the storm approximately 75 per cent of the Village of Warwick was without power. And most businesses south of the Carriage Path, remained that way for six days.

“It is hard to put an exact number on the monetary loss,” said Mayor Michael Newhard. “Restaurants lost large quantities of food as well as their daily business. Each day a business was dark presented a risk to the very sustainability of our business sector The fragile economy has presented continual challenges and it was critical to get back to business as soon as possible.”

Newhard reported that the transformers, which had blown on Oakland Avenue and West Street, were the specific reason for the power outage.

The village, he added, was in constant contact with Orange County Emergency and Orange & Rockland Utilities.

“We made it clear that the Warwick Business District was a priority and part of what we consider vital infrastructure,” said the mayor. “And I urge residents to make a determined effort to support our local merchants during the coming Holiday Season.”

The costs to the village for cleanup and repair is still at the estimate stage but it is clear there will be significant costs from overtime and machinery rental.

‘Counting my blessings’

Mary Beth Schlichting, owner of Frazzleberries Gift Shop, was happy that her shop and those nearby did not suffer from the usual flood damage that often occurs on lower Main Street in the aftermath of serious storms. And with the aid of a small generator and flashlights, she and her staff used the down time to decorate the store for the upcoming holiday season.

“We are ever grateful to not have water issues this time,” she said. “I am counting my blessings.”

Tim Mullally, co-owner of two Main Street shops, Style Counsel and Blue, has a similar upbeat attitude.

“We survived pretty well and were up and running again on Saturday with post-Sandy sales,” he said. “I would love to get the message out for our community to come into the village and support local businesses with even the smallest of purchases. Just spend $10 and help your local Mom and Pop stores.”

Local insurance agencies did not have the luxury of being able to take a few days off and were deluged with claims. Most had power or like Seely & Durland on Oakland Avenue had prepared for an event like this by having generators and contingency plans.

“A tragedy such as Hurricane Sandy is a perfect example of why folks should place their business with a local agent,” said Garrett Durland, president of the firm. “It means being physically and emotionally there for your client where the claim has occurred, explaining to them their coverage parameters and reassuring them that they will be put back to the way they were before the claim.”

Durland reported that one of his clients, for example, needed a 120-ton crane to lift a tree, estimated to be more than 25,000 pounds, that had fallen on his house. No such cranes were available in this area.

“I was able to connect with a company in New Jersey that could come on Sunday to get the job done. After coordinating a police escort for the huge apparatus we were able to assist in getting the job completed for the clients and they were able to button up the extensive damage before the next storm that was expected this week.”

‘Snow days’ all used

Many local residents also had generators but they soon faced the problem of the fuel shortage and long lines at the pump if and when the stations were open.

“We used our generator very sparingly,” said Milosh Bucovcan. “As we were running out of gasoline I tried to siphon some gas out of my car. I learned that is not an easy task. In fact I was not successful and had to resort to siphon the gas from my lawn mover.”

Besides having to dispose of perishable food supplies at some schools, the Warwick Valley School District’s main concern is the number of instructional days lost due to the hurricane. The district used every one of its five “snow days” built into this year’s academic calendar, before the first flake has even hit the ground.

“I think a majority would agree,” said Superintendent Dr. Ray Bryant, “that the education of our children is critically important. The State Education Department requires at least 180 instructional days for students each year, and it is our goal to have 180 school days this year.” Bryant added that, regardless of whether or not Hurricane Sandy legislation is passed to decrease the number of required school days, the district will be working on calendar adjustments to provide Warwick students with 180 instructional days. Parents and students should be prepared to give up a few holiday and vacation days.



By Roger Gavan