Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Mission Statement
The Planning Department is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday (except from mid-June through mid-September, when the hours are 8am to 4pm). The Planning Department directs millions of dollars each year into the local economy and indirectly touches the lives of all Putnam County residents through its many activities.
Contact Planning, Development & Public Transportation
PART operates four fixed routes year round in addition to a seasonal trolley in Cold Spring and a commuter shuttle to the Metro North Station at Croton Falls. Half-Fare is available to those who apply and meet necessary requirements. PART Paratransit is an origin-to-destination transportation system for those Putnam residents who are unable to use the PART public transportation due to a physical or mental disability. PART Paratransit operates specially modified vans to transport riders with a range of disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
The Cold Spring Trolley will resume Memorial Day Weekend 2024
FARES
Adults - $2
$1 Seniors / Students / ADA / Veterans
Exact change is required.
Questions? Call 845-878-RIDE (7433)
WHEN & WHERE?
The Cold Spring Trolley operates Saturdays and Sundays (Memorial Day to Veterans Day Weekend).
Hikers Drop Off - 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00 am - Routes feature a hikers’ drop off on Route 9D, Boscobel & Garrison.
Want to visit Manitoga, Constitution Marsh or the Butterfield Library? Just alert the driver. (Driver returns to Cold Spring if no stops are requested.)
Little Stony Point, Breakneck Ridge, Mt. Beacon & City of Beacon 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00 pm
Hikers’ Drop Off on 9D - 1:00 & 3:00 pm - Boscobel & Garrison stops by request (Manitoga, Contitution Marsh, Butterfield Library)
Bus Routes & Schedule
PART
Bus Schedules
Mahopac-Croton Falls
Commuter Shuttle
PART
Route 1
PART
Route 2
PART
Route 3
PART
Route 5
Cold Spring
Trolley Schedule 2023
Cold Spring
Trolley AM Route
Cold Spring
Trolley PM Route North
Cold Spring
Trolley PM Route South
Transit Connections
General Information
Policy & Procedures Manual
Putnam County Transportation Department POLICY & PROCEDURES MANUAL PART System Fixed Route & Complementary Paratransit Service
PART Paratransit is an origin-to-destination transportation system for those Putnam residents who are unable to use the PART public transportation due to a physical or mental disability. PART Paratransit operates specially modified vans to transport riders with a range of disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
Who is eligible to use Paratransit?
A person may be eligible to use PART Paratransit under the following guidelines:
Service shall be provided to those persons within 3/4-mile of a PART fixed-route and have a destination that is within 3/4-mile of a PART fixed-route. THIS IS NOT A COUNTYWIDE SERVICE.
Service is complementary to the PART fixed-route. It is for persons with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to use accessible fixed-route transit service or for wheelchair persons on days when only a non-accessible bus is operating on the fixed-route.
Service is provided only after a certification process, which includes certification by a medical doctor, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist or optometrist affirming that an individual is unable to ride on public transportation due to a disability.
Age by itself does not entitle a person to use Paratransit.
Disabled visitors who reside in a location outside of Putnam County and have been ADA Certified by the jurisdiction in which they reside are eligible for 21 days of service over a one-year period beginning on the day service was first rendered. After this time, they must be certified by Putnam County.
Disabled visitors who have no documentation and reside in a location outside of Putnam County are presumed eligible for paratransit service for 21 days over a one-year period beginning on the day service was first rendered. After this time, they must be certified by Putnam County.
When does Paratransit operate?
Paratransit operates at the same time and the same days as the PART fixed-route transit service. If the PART fixed-route service is operating on snow routes, then Paratransit service will be comparable to the snow route.
How Much does it cost to be on Paratransit?
A Paratransit one-way trip currently costs $3.25. A trip begins when a person gets on the bus and ends when a person gets off the bus.
May a rider take a companion on Paratransit?
A Paratransit rider may be accompanied by one personal care attendant and/or one personal companion. A personal care attendant is considered a person traveling as an aide to facilitate the travel of a person with a disability. A personal care attendant will not be charged a fare. A companion means a person other than an attendant who may be traveling with a disabled person. A companion will pay the same fare as the person with the disability. Additional companions may be allowed if space is available. All personal companions and attendants must have the same origin and destination points. Service animals are also allowed at no charge.
How much assistance can the drivers offer riders?
Because Paratransit is an origin-to-destination service, riders must be able to meet the van outside their homes. Drivers cannot go into riders’ homes or carry riders or wheelchairs up or down stairs. Paratransit drivers do help riders board the van; they lock down wheelchairs and secure all seat belts. At the riders’ destination, the driver will help the rider off the van.
Are there any other restrictions?
All passengers in wheelchairs that are transported on a Paratransit vehicle must have the wheelchair secured in the provided securement devices in the designated locations on the vehicle. In no case will a wheelchair passenger be allowed to ride in the aisle.
The operator reserves the right to negotiate trip scheduling within one hour of the requested time. Paratransit is not a taxi or limousine service, your trip may be combined with one or more other trip requests.
A maximum of 50% of the system capacity can be dedicated any time of the day to subscription service. Paratransit may be used as a feeder bus to the regular fixed-route bus.
If a rider has three or more missed trips (no-shows and/or late cancellations) within a 30-day period, this will enact a review of their trips to determine the existence of a pattern or practice of missed trips. The rider’s frequency of use and proportion of trips missed will be analyzed in this review. If it is determined that the rider has established a pattern or practice of missed trips, the rider will be in violation of the County’s No Show/Late Cancellation Policy and will be sent a letter indicating the dates of the violations
A person, whose behavior threatens or has threatened the safety of Paratransit personnel or other passengers, may be denied service or have service suspended.
How does one apply to Paratransit?
Call any one of the following numbers and ask for an application: (845) 878-3480; (845) 878-7433 Or, Write to: Putnam County Department of Planning, Development & Public Transportation 841 Fair Street Carmel, NY 10512
A completed application will take no longer than 21 days to process from the date it is received by the Putnam County Planning Department.
How do you arrange a Paratransit trip?
Once you are certified and receive your ID card, you simply call (845) 878-7433 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day preceding desired service.
When you make the call, simply say you are calling to schedule a Paratransit trip. You will be asked your name; address; card ID number; when you want to leave and return; your destination; if you have special needs; and a phone number where you can be reached. If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please call with the cancellation.
I am PREPARED because I take safety courses, I talk to my family, and we practice safety drills. I am READYbecause I have food and supplies stocked, My GoBag is packed up, and I am signed up for Weather Alerts, which makes me PREPARED & READY!
These are my friends! We are all PREPARED & READY!
Are you PREADY ?
Check and make sure that you and you family are PREADY! This interactive checklist will get you prepared and ready as you build your own PREADY, SET, GO! Emergency bag.
PUTNAM COUNTY GOVERNMENT DOES NOT REVIEW OR RETAIN ANY OF YOUR INFORMATION. IF YOU'D LIKE US TO HELP PREPARE THIS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE CHECKLIST AND CONTACT THEBUREAU OF EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR A ONE ON ONE CONSULTATION.
Let's Learn about ALERTS & WARNINGS
A quick guide to learn about Alerts & Warnings, their meaning and how to prepare for them.
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ADVISORY & STATEMENT
Be aware! A hazard is expected to occur in your area or nearby, but its impact is not expected to be life threatening.
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WATCH
Be prepared! A hazard may possibly occur in your area or nearby.
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WARNING
Take action! A hazard is expected to occur or is already occurring in your area or nearby, and its impact may be serious.
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“THIS IS A TEST”
Officials sometimes send test or practice messages. Consider using this as a reminder to check your emergency plan and supplies. Review the 12 Ways to Prepare for more steps to take
Some hazards may not have an advisory, watch, or warning. Use the 12 Ways to Prepare and be Ready for hazards that may happen suddenly. Visit ready.gov/be-informed to learn more about hazards not included in this guide. This is general guidance. Always defer to the alert.
12 Ways to Prepare before disaster happens
Equip yourself with 12 ways to prepare before a disaster happens. Utilize a quick guide to learn about Alerts & Warnings, their meaning and how to prepare for them. Also, learn about how to prepare for weather events that affect our area such as Ice, Snow, Heavy Rain & High Winds.
Sign up for Alerts & Warnings
You can use various sources to stay informed about severe weather alerts, such as local news, NOAA Weather Radio, or smart phone apps. You can also check the Weather-Ready Nation website for tips and resources on how to be weather-ready.
Make a Plan
You should have a family emergency plan that includes an emergency meeting place, contact information, and escape routes. You should also identify a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room with no windows, where you can shelter during a severe thunderstorm, tornado, or winter storm.
Put aside funds for emergencies
You should have some cash on hand in case of power outages or other disruptions that may affect your access to banks or ATMs. You should also have an emergency fund that can cover your basic expenses for at least three months, in case you lose your income or have to relocate due to a disaster.
Practice Emergency Drills with your family
You should conduct regular drills with your family to practice what to do in case of a severe weather emergency. For example, you can practice how to get to your safe room, how to communicate with each other, and how to use your emergency supplies. You can also review your emergency plan and update it as needed. Practicing your plan will help you and your family stay calm and confident during a real emergency.
Test Your Family Communication
You should practice how to contact each other and where to meet in case of an emergency. You should also test your emergency alert systems and devices, such as radios, phones, or apps.
Safeguard Documents
You should keep a binder of important papers, such as identification, financial, medical, and legal documents, in a fireproof and waterproof box or safe in your home. You should also store copies of your documents in an external location, such as a safe deposit box, and make electronic copies on a flash drive or CD.
Make plans with neighbors by prepping for weather emergencies together
You should get to know your neighbors and find out who may need assistance during an emergency. You should also create a community network to share updates and resources, and check on each other after a disaster.
Create a Community Action Plan
You should identify the potential risks and issues that weather emergencies pose for your community. You should also form a committee to lead the planning and response efforts, and involve local organizations and authorities. You should develop a plan for sheltering, evacuating, and communicating during a weather emergency.
Know Evacuation Routes
You should know your community’s local evacuation plan and identify several routes to leave the area in case roads are blocked. You should also plan your transportation and identify a safe place to evacuate to.
Assemble or Update Supplies
You should have an emergency supply kit that contains items such as water, food, first-aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, radio, and medications. You should also keep vital records in a safe place and store your policy number and contact information nearby.
Get Involved with your Community
You can get involved in your community by participating in local events, volunteering your time, donating your resources, shopping locally, joining a class or group, supporting your local sports teams, or becoming politically active.
Make sure your property is Documented and Insured
You should document your property and its contents by taking photos, videos, or written descriptions. You should also have an appraisal for valuable items and store your inventory in a secure location. You should also understand your options for coverage and ensure you have appropriate insurance for relevant hazards. You should review your policy annually and update it as needed.
Types of Warnings & Alerts Guide
Learn more about the types of emergencies, their defenitions, and how to best prepare for them when they occur.
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ICE
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SNOW
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HEAVY RAIN
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HIGH WIND
An ice storm occurs when significant ice accumulation causes dangerous travel conditions and damage to trees and power lines resulting in power outages.
A winter storm brings snow, sleet, ice accumulation, wind, or a combination of these hazards.
Heavy Rain & Thunder Storms are dangerous storm that can cause flooding and may include lightning.
A high wind event typically occurs when there are sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more, or when there are wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration.
How to Prepare
Take action! Dangerous ice accumulation is expected due to freezing rain. An ice storm will occur within 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
Please note: There is no Ice Storm Watch. Pay attention to Winter Storm Watches, which may alert you to ice storm conditions.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Winter Storm Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of a winter storm containing snow, sleet, ice, wind, or a combination of these hazards. A winter storm may occur within 24 to 72 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Gather supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Winter Storm Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A winter storm is occurring or is about to occur; expect snow, sleet, ice, wind, or a combination of these hazards. A winter storm will occur within 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm watch typically lasts 4 to 8 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a place to shelter.
Secure outside furniture and property.
Unplug appliances.
Prepare for a power outage.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Stay in your car if you cannot go indoors.
Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid touching metal surfaces in the car.
Severe thurnderstorm Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Severe weather is happening. There may be considerable or destructive damage. A severe thunderstorm warning typically lasts 1 hour.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a place to shelter.
Avoid using running water or landline phones.
Unplug appliances.
Avoid isolated trees, concrete, and metal that lightning could hit.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Stay in your car.
Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid touching metal surfaces in the car.
High Winds Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. A high wind event may occur within the next 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Review your emergency plan.
Be prepared to go to your safe shelter or small, interior, windowless room on the building’s lowest level.
Protect your property. Put away or tie down loose outdoor furniture and objects.
Prepare for power outages.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Delay or adjust travel plans.
High Winds Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Sustained, strong winds are occurring or about to occur. A high wind event may be occurring or about to occur and may last up to 12 hours or more.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Go to a safe, sturdy location and stay away from windows.
Stay away from trees and power lines. Take cover. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Prepare for power outages.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Stay off the roads.
Slow down and watch for flying debris, downed power lines, and branches.
Be cautious if driving in or near high-profile vehicles, which may be pushed by wind.
Learn more about additional types of emergencies, their definitions, and how to best prepare for them when they occur.
Blizzard Definition
A blizzard is a winter storm during which snow is blown by sustained winds of 35 mph, greatly reducing visibility. A blizzard will reduce visibility to less than one-fourth mile for three hours or more.
Blizzard Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A blizzard is expected or occurring. A blizzard will occur within 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
There is no Blizzard Watch. Pay attention to Winter Storm Watches, which may alert you to blizzard conditions.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Extreme or Excessive Heat Definition
Extreme or excessive heat (sometimes called a “heat wave”) is a period of abnormally hot weather that lasts more than two days. Heat waves can occur with or without high humidity.
Extreme or Excessive Heat Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! Dangerous high temperatures and/or humidities are possible. Extreme heat may occur within the next 24 to 72 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check on family members and friends to make sure they have a plan to stay cool.
Look before you lock. Do not leave people or pets in closed cars
Extreme or Excessive Heat Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Dangerous high temperatures and/or humidities are occurring or about to occur. Extreme heat is occurring or will occur within the next 12 hours.
Look before you lock. Do not leave people or pets in closed cars
Extreme Wind Definition
Extreme wind is wind greater than 115 mph and may signal that hurricane winds may begin shortly.
Extreme Wind Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Dangerously strong winds are occurring and sustained hurricane winds may occur. Extreme wind is occurring or will occur within 1 hour.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Follow your emergency plan.
Go to your safe shelter or small, interior, windowless room.
Stay in the safe shelter and do not go into the calm of the hurricane eye.
Take cover now. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Extreme wind is wind greater than 115 mph and may signal that hurricane winds may begin shortly.
Please note: There is no Extreme Wind Watch.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Slow down! Pull aside; stay alive! Move to the road’s shoulder, turn on the car’s hazard lights, and stay in the car.
Be cautious if driving in or near high-profile vehicles, which may be pushed by wind.
Flash Flood Definition
A flash flood is a damaging and life-threatening, rapid rise of water into an area that’s normally dry. A flash flood may occur within minutes to hours after an event like intense rainfall or dam failure.
Flash Flood Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A dangerous, life-threatening flood is occurring or about to occur. A flash flood is occurring or about to occur.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Move to higher ground immediately if in a flood-prone area.
Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Protect property only if it is safe to do so.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Turn Around Don’t Drown® Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid flood waters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Flash Flood Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of a flash flood. A flash flood may occur within the next several hours or days.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Know your risk. Move to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Protect your property if you have time and are staying in place.
Put important documents in a waterproof container.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Turn Around Don’t Drown® Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid flood waters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Flood Definition
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may last days or weeks.
Flood Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of flooding. Flooding may occur within the next 6 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Know your risk. Move to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Protect your property if you have time and are staying in place.
Put important documents in a waterproof container.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid flood waters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Flood Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Flooding is occurring or about to occur. Flooding is occurring or about to occur.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Know your risk.
Move to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Protect your property if you have time and are staying in place.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid flood waters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
High Wind Definition
A high wind event typically occurs when there are sustained winds of 40 mph or higher for one hour or more, or when there are wind gusts of 58 mph or higher for any duration.
High Winds Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. A high wind event may occur within the next 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Review your emergency plan.
Be prepared to go to your safe shelter or small, interior, windowless room on the building’s lowest level.
Protect your property. Put away or tie down loose outdoor furniture and objects.
Prepare for power outages.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Delay or adjust travel plans.
High Winds Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Sustained, strong winds are occurring or about to occur. A high wind event may be occurring or about to occur and may last up to 12 hours or more.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Go to a safe, sturdy location and stay away from windows.
Stay away from trees and power lines. Take cover. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Prepare for power outages.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Stay off the roads.
Slow down and watch for flying debris, downed power lines, and branches.
Be cautious if driving in or near high-profile vehicles, which may be pushed by wind.
Hurricane Definition
A hurricane (called a “typhoon” in the Western Pacific) is a storm system that forms over warm ocean waters and can cause strong winds, heavy rains, and both coastal and inland flooding.
Hurricane Watch | How to Prepare
There is a possibility of hurricane conditions within the next several days. Hurricane-force winds are possible in the next 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Know your area’s risk and whether you live in an evacuation zone.
Follow your emergency plan.
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Protect your property and gather important documents.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Do not drive through flood waters.
Do not drive around barricades.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Hurricane Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Hurricane conditions are expected within the next several days. Hurricane-force winds are expected in the next 36 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Follow instructions from local officials.
Follow your emergency plan.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Do not drive through flood waters.
Do not drive around barricades.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Ice Storm Definition
An ice storm occurs when significant ice accumulation causes dangerous travel conditions and damage to trees and power lines resulting in power outages.
Ice Storm Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Dangerous ice accumulation is expected due to freezing rain. An ice storm will occur within 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
Please note: There is no Ice Storm Watch. Pay attention to Winter Storm Watches, which may alert you to ice storm conditions.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Nuclear Explosion Definition
A nuclear explosion emits dangerous radiation and fallout. Fallout is most dangerous in the first few hours after the detonation. After an explosion, it will take 10 to 15 minutes before fallout begins to arrive
Nuclear Explosion Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A nuclear explosion is occurring or is about to occur. A nuclear explosion may occur with little to no warning.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Get inside and go to the basement or middle of the building. Stay away from windows.
Stay inside for 24 hours unless local officials provide other instructions.
Use your emergency supplies, food, and water.
Do not consume foods or liquids that were outside and uncovered.
Remove contaminated clothing and wipe off exposed skin.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Get inside. Vehicles will not provide adequate protection.
Go to the basement or middle of the building. Stay away from windows
Please note: There is no Nuclear Explosion Watch.
Severe Thunderstorm Definition
A severe thunderstorm is a dangerous storm that includes lightning.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm watch typically lasts 4 to 8 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a place to shelter.
Secure outside furniture and property.
Unplug appliances.
Prepare for a power outage.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Stay in your car if you cannot go indoors.
Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid touching metal surfaces in the car.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! Severe weather is happening. There may be considerable or destructive damage. A severe thunderstorm warning typically lasts 1 hour.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a place to shelter.
Avoid using running water or landline phones.
Unplug appliances.
Avoid isolated trees, concrete, and metal that lightning could hit.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Stay in your car.
Do not drive through flood waters.
Avoid touching metal surfaces in the car.
Snow Squall Definition
A snow squall is a 30- to 60-minute storm that brings whiteout conditions. Snow and gusty winds may cause low visibility and icy roads, making driving dangerous.
Winter Storm Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A winter storm is occurring or is about to occur; expect snow, sleet, ice, wind, or a combination of these hazards. A winter storm will occur within 12 to 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Tornado Definition
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm t o the ground. Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes.
Tornado Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is the potential that a tornado will develop. A tornado may occur within the next 2 to 4 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Review your emergency plan.
Check on family members and friends to make sure they have a plan.
Be prepared to go to your safe shelter.
Tornado Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A tornado is occurring or about to occur in the area or nearby. A tornado may occur within the next few minutes to half hour.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Go to your safe shelter immediately.
Go to a sturdy building or small, interior, windowless room on the building’s lowest level.
Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
Take cover. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
If you cannot go to a safe place, take cover.
Use your arms, a coat, or blanket to cover your head and neck.
Do not try to outrun a tornado.
Do not hide under a bridge or overpass. Go to a low, flat location.
Storm Surge Definition
Storm surge is a life-threatening flood that comes from rising water that moves inland.
Storm Surge Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of life-threatening flooding. A storm surge may occur within 48 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Know your risk.
Follow instructions from local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Do not drive through flood waters.
Do not drive around barricades.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Storm Surge Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! There is a danger of life-threatening flooding. A storm surge may occur within 36 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Know your risk.
Follow instructions from local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Do not drive through flood waters.
Do not drive around barricades.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Winter Storm Definition
A winter storm brings snow, sleet, ice accumulation, wind, or a combination of these hazards.
Winter Storm Watch | How to Prepare
Be prepared! There is a possibility of a winter storm containing snow, sleet, ice, wind, or a combination of these hazards. A winter storm may occur within 24 to 72 hours.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Gather supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
Put an emergency kit in your car.
Stay off the roads.
Snow Squall Warning | How to Prepare
Take action! A sudden whiteout is occurring or about to occur. A snow squall is occurring or may occur soon.
If You Get this Alert at Home:
Check supplies, food, and water, and make a plan to use these supplies for at least 3 days.
Limit your time outside and wear warm clothes.
Prepare for power outages and have a plan in case you lose heat.
There is no Snow Squall Watch.
If You Get this Alert in Your Car:
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In 2019, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) released data from their annual national survey indicating that more than 17 million stop-arm violations occur in the United States each year. Putnam Countyhas launched a School Bus Safety Program to reduce the illegal passing of school buses and improve student safety
On August 6, 2019, New York State passed legislation (S.4524B/A.4950B) authorizing school districts to install safety cameras on school buses to catch drivers who unlawfully pass a stopped school bus and ensure student safety.
To speak to a representative about a safety violation, contact the AlertBus Customer Contact Center at 1-877-504-7080.
NYS Stopping Laws
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading children. Stop your vehicle and wait until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the driver or police officer to proceed.
Which school districts in Putnam County will deploy the technology across bus fleets?
Mahopac, Carmel, & Brewster school districts will be participating.
Is School Bus Safety an Issue in New York State and Putnam County?
Every day 2.3 million children are transported by school buses throughout New York State. Data has shown that an estimated 50,000 drivers throughout the State illegally pass stopped school buses on a single school day*.
In New York State, a one-month study of 10 buses in East Meadow was conducted in 2019. Cameras recorded 615 illegal passes or roughly 2.3 per bus per day. This represents three times more than the number of tickets given out by Nassau and Suffolk counties during the 2018-2019 school year.
Reducing school bus stop-arm violations will significantly contribute to student and school bus safety in and around Putnam County. The automated camera system serves as a deterrent and education tool for motorists considering breaking the law and passing a stopped school bus.
While enforcement and education are critical in helping to change behavior, current models and legal frameworks in most states require that police officers catch motorists passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing to issue a citation. But with roughly 560,000 school buses traveling across more than 4 million miles of road and highway in the United States, conventional methods are not enough to effectively enforce the law to control these violations across the country. In addition, it permits local law enforcement officers to focus their energies on other high-priority tasks.
The School Bus Safety Program will provide data to partner school officials and municipalities to make informed decisions on school bus safety. The stop-arm violation data can also be leveraged by local law enforcement to add a physical presence to school bus stops with higher rates of infractions.
How Does the Safety Program Reduce Illegal Passings?
Entire school bus fleets will be outfitted with the latest safety technology, including safety cameras, DVR and storage devices, GPS, telemetry, LTE connectivity, [and internal cameras.]
In addition to this cutting-edge technology, the enforcement program is powered by software and processes and overseen by experienced safety professionals who coordinate with police, local officials, and school districts.
When a school bus is stopped with its lights and stop-arm activated, cameras capture incidents involving vehicles illegally passing the bus. Through cloud computing, data is sent to trained safety experts, who then review the footage and prepare evidence packages for municipalities.
By coupling technology-based enforcement with education and public safety campaigns, motorists learn how to adjust their behavior around school buses and children.
How will Putnam County School Districts Benefit from the Safety Program?
All school districts can opt-in to the program and benefit from an advanced school bus safety suite deployed across their entire fleets at no cost to the schools, taxpayers, or Putnam County. The violator-funded safety program handles the procurement, installation, management, and maintenance of the safety technology. In addition to a targeted effort to reduce the illegal passing of school buses in the community, the school district will benefit from access to cloud-connected internal cameras and BusPatrol's AlertBus platform for live-stream video and emergency alerts.
In the run-up to the program launch, Putnam County will work with BusPatrol to execute a community education and awareness campaign, including road signage, community announcements, and warning letters. The program will be preceded by a 30-day warning period, during which warning letters will be issued to drivers who fail to stop for school buses with no monetary penalty.
Who Are Stop-Arm Violation Tickets Issued to, and How Much Will They Cost Violators?
Stop-arm cameras identify illegal passers by license plate number. Tickets are issued to a vehicle's registered owner unless the automobile is proven stolen during the time of the offense. If someone other than the vehicle's owner was driving at the time, the owner can request a transfer of liability.
In most states, a first-time stop-arm violation carries a fine of $250. In New York state, subsequent violations within an eighteen-month period are subject to a $25 increase in penalty, up to a maximum of $300.
Data from other safety programs demonstrates that 98% of first-time offenders do not receive a second ticket and that 95% of drivers do not contest their ticket after seeing video evidence of their violation.
How Does It Work?
The diagram above is a representation of the camera systems used in the County. BusPatrol's leading stop-arm enforcement program is built on a robust, guided, and secure process. When a vehicle illegally passes a school bus while the stop-arm is deployed, BusPatrol's multi-lens camera box captures the violation and the car's license plates from different depths and angles. The footage, GPS, and timecode data are stored locally on an onboard digital video recorder (DVR) unique to each bus.
The data relating to the incident and violation is sent via an encrypted LTE network to BusPatrol's secure cloud system. BusPatrol's artificial intelligence software filters all footage received from each bus before it goes to one of our safety specialists for review.
A BusPatrol safety specialist reviews the filtered footage. If they determine that the violation is indeed an offense, the specialist prepares an evidence package for use by law enforcement. The package is built in accordance with state law, complete with video footage, license plate number, make, model, driver information, GPS location, and a timestamp of the incident.
The evidence package is submitted to the enforcement entity via a secure cloud portal. The enforcement entity responsible for approving violations reviews the evidence package to determine if a violation has occurred. If approved, a ticket is mailed to the vehicle's owner, along with a link to the AlertBus Driver Education & Payment Portal, where they can view video evidence of their violation. The vehicle owner makes their payment online, through the mail, or in person in the municipal jurisdiction – tickets can also be contested through the relevant jurisdiction's civil court system.
When Should I Stop for a Stopped School Bus in New York State?
When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus:
on a two-lane road
on multi-lane highways
on divided highways
Embed NYS Stopping Law Video / Video file also available in the Video folder in this pack:
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red flashing lights mean the bus has stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading children. Stop your vehicle and wait until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the driver or police officer to proceed.
Learn more at New York DMV.
How to Behave Around School Buses in New York State
Information from DMV New York
School Buses are Unlike Other Vehicles School buses have bigger blind spots, take longer to stop, and need more room to maneuver than a standard vehicle. Buses should be treated differently than you would treat an average-sized vehicle. Drivers need to know how to react to a school bus in operation.
When you encounter a school bus:
Slow down. School buses make frequent stops, so be patient and drive at a reasonable speed. Remember, school buses are required by law to stop at railroad crossings in addition to picking up and dropping off students.
Be alert. Always be aware of children and parents waiting at a school bus stop or perhaps running to catch the bus before it departs.
Come to a complete stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.
Be extra careful to look around before moving your vehicle, as children may be walking in front of, behind, or on the side of school buses. Check for pedestrians - especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks, and behind parked cars.
Safety Tips for Children, Student Riders, and Parents
Parents: You should discuss transportation conduct and safety rules with your children and share the safety tips below.
Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives.
When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb and wait away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (ten feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoid falling. Be careful that clothes with drawstrings and bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
After you get off the bus, walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
Students can only embark or disembark at their designated stop.
Important Safety Tips for Children to Learn and Remember
Check before you step.
I see the driver. The driver sees me.
Wait for the driver's signal to cross.
Look left, right, and left again.
Use a backpack or book bag to avoid dropping things.
Horn means danger.
Learn More About School Bus Safety
The primary focus of the School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Program is public awareness and education. The success of the program is measured in the reduction of stop-arm violations over time and not by the number of vehicles caught violating the law. Please review the information regarding school bus safety and the "danger zone" below.
The following information is provided for assistance.
To speak to a representative about a stop-arm violation, contact the AlertBus Customer Contact Center at 1-877-504-7080.
The Contact Center is available Monday- Friday (8 AM – 5 PM). English, Spanish, and French-speaking, customer service agents are available to address your inquiries. Please have your Citation Number ready when you call to expedite our service.
To view the violation video evidence online or to pay a violation by credit card, visit www.alertbus.com and enter the following information: Your citation number (example: NY-777777) and vehicle license plate number (no dashes or spaces), as listed on your citation.
The Putnam County Department of General Services was developed as the unit responsible for the overall maintenance of all Putnam County Departments. The Department of General Services is the central administrative agency of Putnam County. Our mission is to support county Government and ultimately the people of Putnam County.
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