Southampton Town Assesses Severe Coastal Damage; Power Restoration Continues

Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst signed executive orders Thursday afternoon extending the state of emergency she first placed the town under on Sunday, as the cleanup and repairs following what is now being dubbed "Superstorm Sandy" continue.

According to the orders, public safety is imperiled and an immient danger exists on Dune Road in Hampton Bays, Quogue and East Quogue.

Security presence is restricting passage over the Ponquogue Bridge to only allow authorized personnel to cross. No traffic may go over the bridge and head west; only business owners may pass to go east of the bridge. Homeowners may access their Dune Road homes in the villages of Quogue and Westhampton Beach, though east of Quogue is barricaded.

On the east side of the Shinnecock Inlet, there has been significant damage and large areas of overwash, according to the town, which noted that W. Scott Cameron Beach and Mecox Beach suffered extensive damage, both to the beaches themselves and the pavilions. The town states that it is coordinating efforts to address damage to private residences and clubs, including the Bridgehampton Bath & Tennis Club and the Water Mill Yacht Club, which are "in danger of collapse."

• Aerial Photos: Sandy Wreaks Havoc on Hamptons Shoreline

The town states that 25 roads remained closed as of noon Thursday, due to downed trees and utility lines, though the villages within the town may have additional road closures.

"The Highway Department is working with LIPA to expedite the obstacle removal process for these locations," the town states.

The number of town residents without power has been reduced from 40,000 to 26,000, as LIPA repairs substations, according to the town.

The town advises residents that if they experienced salt water instruction in their homes, they should switch off the main breaker and individual breakers before the power comes back on because of potential damage to electrical systems, as well as use the emergency switch to cut off the power to oil burners or furnaces.

Regardless of water damage, all homeowners are advised to unplug appliances before the power comes back on, to avoid overloading their home electrical system.

Costs are being waived through Nov. 7 at town transfer stations for residents who haul their own leaves and brush and household garbage.

"If homeowners have sustained damage to personal property including appliances, they are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier before disposal of any construction material," the town advises. "Replacement and disposal costs are often covered by insurance if the proper procedures have been documented"

Bulk items, like sofas, are not being accepted at transfer stations at this time.

The town statements points out that town facilities are experiencing the same periodic power and phone service outages as many residences.

"We will make every effort to remain available to the public," the town states. "However, in event you cannot access Town information centers, residents and business are encouraged to visit http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/sandy/sandy-info.cfm for a complete listing of assistance programs available."

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