Task Force being created to evaluate how Greenburgh managed water main break that impacted 1,000 families

TASK FORCE BEING CREATED TO REVIEW HOW THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH HANDLED THE WATER MAIN BREAK THAT IMPACTED 1,000 RESIDENTS

How can we learn from this experience? Looking for volunteers who have expertise in communications, emergency responses

I would like to create a task force to review how the town handled the water main break that impacted 1,000 residents. The disruption caused tremendous inconveniences and hardships to businesses and residents. An incident of this magnitude warrants a structured review to ensure that the next time there is an emergency we will learn from this experience.

Loss of water service affects drinking, sanitation, fire protection, medical needs. Restaurants lost business. Reviewing how quickly and clearly residents were informed can help ensure that public health risks are minimized in future emergencies.

I received many complaints from residents that they did not receive timely, and consistent information regarding the outage. The expected restoration timelines were not accurate.

I don’t think the outreach we conducted was sufficient. It did not reach most residents. Those without access to digital platforms, non-English speaking residents, seniors complained that they were not informed. I personally posted at least seven e blasts on the town website and on social media. But-only a small minority of residents saw the updates.

We need to evaluate existing emergency response plans and communication protocols, identify gaps and outdated procedures that need revision. Some residents mentioned to me that their heating system depends on water – no water, no heat.

Although the town used the robo call system, many residents did not receive a robo call update. What could we do to make sure everyone who lives in the town gets notified when there are emergencies? The answering machine in the water shop did not provide frequent updates to residents who called. I think-going forward- the water shop should change the message on answering machines at least once every two hours –with updates, let people know what is happening.

In the future - if there is an emergency– we should open up the community center, work with CERT volunteers, provide residents with the opportunity to take a shower, brush their teeth. Perhaps, offer residents bottled water.

If you would like to participate in a Task Force, please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor