Steuben County offers free bottled water as power outage drags on. Here's where.

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader
Updated ·2 min read

Steuben County Emergency Services is responding to the severe weather event on Monday that downed trees, caused major power outages and left residents facing extreme heat.

Tim Marshall, Steuben County Director of Emergency Services, said in response to the crisis, emergency services in partnership with Wegmans is offering free bottled water to ensure the well-being and safety of all county residents.

The recent severe weather has resulted in widespread power outages that have left many without electricity, air conditioning, and refrigeration, Marshall said. With temperatures soaring, the risk of heat-related illnesses is a significant concern.

Marshall said to address this urgent need, Steuben County Emergency Services has established a regional distribution point and cooling center where residents can pick up bottled water.

This location, the Gang Mills Fire Department, at 125 Forest Drive, Painted Post, opened Tuesday and will continue to be open Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A pine tree leans over after being uprooted on Buffalo Street during a storm Monday evening, July 15, 2024. About 24,000 NYSEG customers in Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties were still without electricity Tuesday morning.
A pine tree leans over after being uprooted on Buffalo Street during a storm Monday evening, July 15, 2024. About 24,000 NYSEG customers in Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties were still without electricity Tuesday morning.

Steuben County Emergency Services will continue the regional distribution point and cooling center where residents can pick up bottled water. It has been strategically selected to ensure easy access for all members of the community, especially those in the hardest-hit areas.

Residents without power and in need of water are welcome to visit the distribution point to collect bottled water and escape from the heat.

As of 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning there were approximately 4,500 services still without power in Steuben County, according to Emergency Services.

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) said the majority of customers in its Elmira division, which includes Steuben, can expect to have service restored by 2 p.m. Thursday. More than 300 lineworkers and tree personnel are staged across the company’s service divisions to help restore power, and more are in transit, the company said.

Steuben County Emergency Services will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed, Marshall said. Residents are encouraged to reach out if they require additional assistance.

Marshall said the office also advises residents to take precautions to stay safe in the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Where to get free bottled water in Steuben during power outage