Sullivan County Manager David Fanslau issued the following statement: "I have sent a letter to New York State officials requesting that a team of State Emergency management officials be sent to Sullivan County to assess damage from Hurricane Sandy. A preliminary damage assessment has indicated that there is a need for both individual and public assistance as a result of Hurricane Sandy. I have requested that Governor Cuomo include Sullivan County in any disaster declaration that is made in New York State associated with impacts and damage from Hurricane Sandy.

There has been substantial damage to both the public infrastructure and to individual property. There are numerous roads that remain closed both at the County level and the Town level. There are more than 34,0000 locations that are out of power. The three utilities companies that serve Sullivan County have indicated that the power outages will be prolonged and may last several days to two weeks.

There is also a concern that the power outages and remaining utility wires will pose a danger to the public. Together with town government officials, we are encouraging that the public withhold any planned activities for Halloween today and tonight."