Chenango County is in the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan with Consultant Tetra Tech, and we need your input!

The County has assembled a team to update our hazard mitigation plan which addresses hazards that impact our municipalities. Please help us plan for future disasters by completing this survey regarding natural hazards (will take approximately 15 minutes). https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChenangoHMPCitizenSurvey

Hazard Mitigation is any action taken to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. These disasters include floods, severe storms, extreme temperatures and others. (See the flyer below for more details.)

This survey is designed to gather information from around Chenango County to help us better coordinate activities and reduce the risk of injury or property damage. These questions are for information-gathering only and do not necessarily reflect any intent or future priorities of any governing body. This information will be shared with municipal, state, federal and county entities for planning purposes only.

You will be asked if you live in a floodplain. If you do not know, or are not sure, please check the FEMA website: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home or call the Chenango County Planning Department for assistance if you are still having trouble determining if your property is in a floodplain.

Check our progress so far on our website at https://www.chenangocountynyhmp.com/

By William Acee

Unfortunately, the Sherburne Recreation Commission has decided not to open the pool or have any summer recreation programs this summer due to the many unknown factors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing of the various phases to re-open the Southern Tier Region were a factor along with work force reduction measures, social distancing necessities and deep cleaning measures. The safety of lifeguards is of the utmost importance and opening could have put them in harm’s way. While we regret not being able to provide these services this summer, the Sherburne Recreation Commission is committed to offering these programs in the future.

March 23, 2020 By William Acee

We are all adjusting to a new normal when it comes to the Coronavirus. The panic may cause more damage than the virus, if it hasn’t already. However, the undeniable truth is that the virus must be taken seriously. Everyone by now has heard the warnings that the virus is an increased threat to those who are already dealing with underlying health issues. I have spoken to friends and family who are at risk with underlying health problems and one said “I don’t want to die”. So, I am asking that we all take the health advisories seriously and be smart. Wash your hands, cough into your elbow, social distance (at least 6 feet). If you think you have been infected stay home and away from other people! Clean all touched surfaces regularly to minimize spread especially doorknobs, push bars and tabletops. NYS has issued a “pause” to slow the spread so that the health care system does not become overwhelmed. Stay home if you are not considered an essential employee and if you are sick, self-quarantine. We will rebuild a stronger and more resilient economy in a few months when this threat has passed.

While we can’t see the virus, we all have seen the enhanced images of the novel COVID-19 online or in printed media. It is very small and invisible to the naked eye. How small is it? If the virus particles were lined next to each other side by side, you could line up about 700 virus particles within the width of a human hair. These microscopic particles float around and stick to surfaces. Once those particles reach your nasal passages or throat they then multiply over and over again. These particles fill the lungs and cause difficulty breathing, some have said it feels like they are drowning. Most will recover but again, older people and those with underlying health conditions may not. My source is Wikipedia, CDC, WEB MD and the WHO.

On the Village side, effective March 13th till further notice I have restricted the Firehouse area at the municipal building to authorized personnel only in order to help protect our EMS providers. Beginning March 23rd, Village will be closing our offices to the public. Village taxes are due this month as well. You may pay your bills by using the drop box by the front door of the Municipal Building, mail or use your banks online bill payor system. We understand these are trying times.

Finally, if you are using wipes to clean surfaces please dispose of them in the trash rather than flushing them. They do not breakdown like toilet paper, this will help avoid clogging sewer lines and pumps. If you think you have been infected, Bassett Hospital has established a COVID-19 hotline – 607-547-5555. If your neighbors are alone, check on them, they may need help. Practice social distancing and increased situational awareness.

There is no doubt we will come through this and most likely stronger. There is no need for panic, just common sense and some smart health practices.