Ulster County NY Winter Watch- Helping Residents Face a Cold Season Ahead

With oil prices at an all time high many people are wondering how they will pay for their heating costs this year. Ulster County is beginning a plan to aid and protect residents from the high costs of the winter heating season.

A task force has been established to address issues and problems that might arise during the upcoming winter months.

Ulster County Winter Watch, the task force, has begun a public awareness campaign. The task force created a brochure offering money and energy saving tips urging residents to take steps to prepare for the upcoming winter. The brochure lists phone numbers of agencies that offer public assistance. There are tips to such as having preventive maintenance done on home heating systems, buying a programmable thermostat and how to start a fire in a fireplace safely.

The task force also is looking at providing programs and services to help residents deal with issues related to transportation, fuel oil, food and safety, Some of the programs and services being started by the task force are-

• A commuter service to be offered through Ulster County Area Transit.
• Helping local food pantries to ensure they remain stocked.
• Working with fuel oil companies to help provide emergency deliveries to residents.
• "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" program for residents to check on one another during inclement weather.

The task force plans to provide tips throughout the winter to keep residents informed, let them know what to expect and help them handle any issues that arise.

For more information on Winter Watch go to http://www.co.ulster.ny.us.