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Red Hook Residents Still Without Power, Heat

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Red Hook, Brooklyn remains one of the hardest-hit areas in New York City, nearly a week after Sandy devastated the Tri-State Area.

The lights are still out and the heat remains off even as it gets colder outside.

WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reports

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Residents said basic comforts are hard to remember at this point.

"People haven't taken a bath in over a week," one life-long resident told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.

Buildings are darker than the darkest nights and the stench of garbage and rotted food lingers in the air, Silverman reported.

"At least we got the gas, we were able to put that on to provide some heat but it's unbearable at times," one resident told Silverman.

"We have no hot water, we have no cold water, we have nothing. Nothing," one woman told Silverman. "We're barely surviving."

There have been rumors of muggings and rapes that have residents scared to leave their homes after dark, Silverman reported.

"You need to feel the fear that we feel in our own homes," one resident told Silverman.

"Women and children are coming out during the day and as soon as darkness comes, we run upstairs and we hide in our apartments," another woman said.

Volunteers who had been handing out basic necessities and toiletries to residents in Red Hook said there would be no hand-outs Sunday. The resources are instead being sent to harder hit areas.

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