Tropical Storm Isaias just passing through Suffolk County it is likely we can see another major storm or even a hurricane this year, so it is a good time to review how prepared we are for the next hurricane. After Superstorm Sandy hit, it was as if we all made the same vow: to be better prepared when the next storm comes. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our emergency preparedness in many ways, and it is a crisis we will be dealing with for many months to come. That is why we all need to do our part to safeguard ourselves and our property from other emergencies, including natural disasters.
Here on Long Island, hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, with the height of the season typically occurring from August through October. Now is the time to put together emergency kits, designate places for you and your family to meet in case you are separated, be aware of the directions from emergency services officials, and follow preparedness guidance. Here is a rundown on how you can prepare for a hurricane and keep your family and property safe.
To prepare now for a hurricane, you should familiarize yourself with your area’s risk. Remember potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tor- nadoes and landslides. By understanding these threats, you can also understand your risk. You might not always know just how powerful a storm is, which is why it is important to listen to emergency services professionals. To get the most up-to-date instructions, sign up for Suffolk’s Code Red Emergency Notification system at the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services website at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/FRES/.
You should also review your emergency plan, making sure you have the supplies you need and getting your home storm-ready. Create your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place and become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route and shelter locations. Gather enough supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Also given the coronavirus pandemic, it is prudent to include in your preparedness kit additional facemasks and hand sanitizer. Do not forget the needs of your pets and your plan for them during an emergency.
Remember to keep important documents you might need after the storm in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies of these papers. You can protect your home in advance by decluttering drains and gutters to ensure water permeability. Consider hurricane shutters to prevent any damage to your windows and harm to anyone who might be sheltering in place during a hurricane. Now is also the time to review your insurance policies to make sure you have the coverage you want.
If you are under a hurricane warning, seek safe shelter right away. Determine how best you can protect yourself from high winds and flooding. If you live in an area that has been told to evacuate, follow the instructions of those trying to keep you safe. You can also use Suffolk County’s Shelter and Storm Surge Zone Mapping Tool at https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/FRES/Storm-Surge-Zone-and-Shelter-Locator-Map. The tool allows viewers to enter a specific address in the county and see if that location is in an area prone to storm surge flooding. The map also identifies potential shelters within Suffolk. Conditions will dictate which shelters are open. If you are not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home and let friends and family know where you are.
During this time, you should also turn on your TV or radio to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions. Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messag- es is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded. Review with your family your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. You may have to leave quickly, so plan ahead. Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
Bring loose, lightweight objects that could become projectiles in high winds, such as patio furniture and garbage cans, inside. Also, anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as propane tanks, and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building or home. Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows but another option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Emergency services are asking you to do this in order to save your life and those of your neighbors. If you are not told to evacuate and are sheltering in place, go to a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of your home that is not subject to flooding. If you become trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building but do not climb into a closed attic. If you are outside during a hurricane, do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. If you have to use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery, only use it outdoors and away from windows.
For more information, on how to stay safe and prepared you can visit Suffolk County’s Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services website. Stay safe, and be ready!
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