OLCOTT, N.Y. — What amount of sandbags is enough to stop, or at least reduce, flood damage? State officials are hoping that 71,680 is a good start for the Niagara County communities of Olcott, Newfane, and Wilson, as water levels of Lake Ontario continue to rise.
New York State Division of Homeland Security officials were in Olcott Wednesday, to check on what their crews, along with local governments, have worked to set up so far. They also preached preparedness to residents.
"We're filling sandbags right now to be able to push out to the communities as requested," said New York's Commissioner for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "All those requests have been filled to date. But we know there's going to be more coming, and so those resources will continue."
Additional resources include Aqua Dams, like the one installed in the community earlier this week, along with dozens of pumps, and more. Residents are urged to get in touch with their local governments to ask for help getting ready for potential floods.
"The water is still at a level that's manageable, and they should reach out to their local elected official, who can then reach out to the county emergency management department, or directly to the state watch center, and the locals can request assistance from us," said New York's Director of Emergency Management. "But the key thing is preparedness. Recognize that the water is still low enough to do something. When the water starts getting higher it's usually too late. So the key thing is be prepared."
If live along Lake Ontario and need help obtaining sandbags or other assistance, you can start by contacting Niagara County Emergency Services at 716-438-3171.