Get Ready for Hurricane Earl

As September rolls in so does hurricane season.

Hurricane Earl is gaining momentum toward the southeast coastal region and has been dubbed the second major hurricane of the 2010 season, just behind Hurricane Danielle.

Though the Sachem community is not in its direct path, the storm could bring driving rain and strong winds come Friday.

"Cooperative planning among local, state and federal officials and proper public education is critical to mitigating the potential impact of 'Hurricane Earl'," said Suffolk County Exec. Steve Levy, noting that almost 100,000 MEND brochures were mailed this year to Suffolk County addresses located within a hurricane flood surge zone.

As of 3 p.m. on Monday, the National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Earl strengthened as it lumbered across the Atlantic. Sustained winds rose to 125 mph. The storm was 60 miles from St. Thomas and 120 miles from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Earl's eye was passing just north of the British Virgin Islands as of 3 p.m. Monday, the center said.

Hurricane conditions were spreading across the northern Virgin Islands, and tropical storm conditions will spread over portions of Puerto Rico on Monday afternoon, forecasters said, followed by possible hurricane conditions Monday evening. 

Back in July, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), National Grid, Red Cross, New York State officials and the Offices of Emergency Management of Nassau and Suffolk counties conducted a hurricane drill, as they do every year to prepare for such significant weather events.

LIPA president Kevin Law said it's not a matter of "if" but "when" a hurricane will hit the region after studying recent summer weather patterns.

Depending upon the severity of a storm, the county may open shelters for use by residents. The media will be notified in such an event about which shelters are being opened and at what times. Shelters are opened based on the nature, severity of an emergency and the number of residents impacted. 

"What happens with the hurricane is like any other hazard, we have we have something called a five-day window plan which started today [Monday]," said Joseph Williams, Suffolk County's Commissioner of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services "What happens is we start picking out our shelters through the American Red Cross, we make sure all of our supplies are up and running and we keep on watching the storm to decide what we are going to do."

DPW Commissioner Gilbert Anderson said DPW staff will be on standby in the event that severe weather conditions, such as flooding, pose a threat to safe roadway safety.

Anderson advised residents to stay inside and under shelter during stormy weather, and never touch any downed wires or utility poles. Residents who live in low-lying flood prone areas should, as directed, seek shelter at higher elevations, according to Anderson, and residents who have sump pumps in their homes are reminded not to connect them into sanitary house connections that in turn connect to public sanitary sewers.

The National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared May 23 through 29 as the 2010 Hurricane Preparedness Week.  The purpose of the week was to stress how important "awareness and preparation" can be in preventing loss of life and property damage from a hurricane. They came up wit the following ways to be prepared in case of a hurricane emergency: 

Know Your Risk and What To Do

• Contact your local emergency management office to learn about evacuation routes and emergency plans.
• Get additional information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (visit fema.gov and m.fema.gov from your mobile device for information), Ready Campaign (Ready.gov) Citizen's Corps (citizencorps.gov), the American Red Cross (redcross.org) and NOAA's National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov).
• Buy flood insurance. Anyone can get flooded, even if you don't live in a designated flood zone. There is a 30-day waiting period before activation of flood insurance policies.

Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage

• Inquire about emergency plans and procedures at your child's school and at your workplace.

• Make a family disaster plan that includes out-of-town contacts and locations to reunite if you become separated. Be sure everyone knows home, work and cell phone numbers, and how to call 9-1-1.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit with food, water, medical supplies, battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, batteries, flashlights, and other items that will allow you to get by for 3 days after a hurricane hits.

• Gather important documents such as birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds, and financial and insurance records. Store them in a fire and flood safe location or safe deposit box.

Prepare Your Home Before the Storm

• Install permanent wooden or metal storm shutters or board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood.
• Install metal straps or hurricane clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
• Trim trees and clear rain gutters and downspouts.
• Plan ahead for protection of pets and livestock. For information go to www.fema.gov and search on "Pet Owners."

As the Storm Approaches

• Remember that a Hurricane Watch means the onset of hurricane conditions is possible within 36 hours; a Hurricane Warning means the onset of hurricane conditions is likely within 24 hours.

• Have a full tank of gas in a vehicle, cash, and your disaster supplies kit ready to go.
• Make sure every family member carries or wears identification.
• Listen to the radio or television and NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for current information and be prepared to act quickly.

• Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold and keep closed.
• Secure your boat or move it to a safer mooring.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for bathing, flushing toilets, and cleaning, but do not drink this water.
• Secure or bring inside such outdoor items as patio furniture, kids' slides, and power mowers.

• Turn off propane tanks. Shut off other utilities if emergency officials advise you to do so.

Evacuate if you ...

• Are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
• Live in a mobile home, a high-rise building, on the coast, a floodplain, near a river, or an inland waterway, or otherwise feel you will be in danger.

If You Are Told to Evacuate ...

• Turn off all utilities if authorities advise you to do so.
• Don't delay in evacuating once you get word to leave.
• Stick to designated evacuation routes. If you need help, this is the most likely place to find it.
• Take your most reliable vehicle and avoid taking multiple vehicles that create gridlock.

If You Cannot Evacuate and Are Staying In Your Home ...

• Go to a safe indoor place for refuge, such as an interior room, closet, or hallway. Stay downstairs only if you are not in a flood prone or storm surge area.

• Do not go outdoors during the storm, even in its early stages. Flying debris is extremely dangerous.
• Close all doors, brace external doors, stay clear of windows and keep curtains and blinds shut.
• If necessary take cover under a heavy table, or under something protective.
• Don't be tricked by a sudden lull in the storm, it may be the "eye" passing over. The storm will resume.

Immediately After the Storm...

• Use extreme caution going out of doors. Be alert for downed power lines, broken glass, and damage to building foundations, streets and bridges, and coastal or hillside erosion.
• Keep listening to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
• Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road: Don't Drown, Turn Around.

Be Prepared to ...

• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines...

• Once home, check gas, water, electrical lines and appliances for damage.
• Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Never use candles or other open flames indoors.
• When using a generator, avoid electrocution hazards by following manufacturers' instructions and standard electrical code.

• Do not drink tap water until you know it is safe.

The Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services' Office of Emergency Management has a wealth of information to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, including sheltering information, preparedness plans, and weather information.  Go to Suffolk County's webpage www.suffolkcountyny.gov, click on Dept. Directory, Fire Rescue & Emergency Services or Emergency Management for further information as well.