In order to use any eruv, it is mandatory to check that it is up and running. Most places that I know of have an eruv hotline to call to check on the status.
Generally, since eruvs are well kept, an alert is sent out (or announced in shul) that the eruv is down. This happened only one time when I was living in Brooklyn.
HIE, I think you should speak to Rav Belsky about your claim that he is the posek for every person in America. I wonder what his response would be.