Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined this afternoon by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi to announce further preparations in advance of Hurricane Irene. After discussions with the National Weather Service, it appears that Nassau County will experience a direct impact from Hurricane Irene on Sunday, with heavy wind and rain arriving tomorrow.
County Executive Mangano signed an Executive Order at 3:00 p.m. declaring a state of emergency in Nassau County, which provides the additional tools needed to deal with all situations and evacuations related to the hurricane.
The County Executive also signed an Evacuation Order and is now ordering a MANDATORY EVACUATION for all residents living south of Sunrise Highway, from the Queens line to Rockville Centre and South of Merrick Road, from Rockville Centre to the Nassau-Suffolk border.
This Evacuation Order also includes the MANDATORY EVACUATION of all residents on the north shore of Nassau County that reside in low-lying areas and storm surge zones. Low-lying are defined as 10 feet above sea-level or less.
All those residing in these areas must evacuate by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
It is essential that this evacuation begin prior to wind gusts that exceed 55 miles per hour. Once winds exceed this level, flying debris could be deadly. It is also essential that this evacuation begin immediately, as the MTA will shut down public transportation by noon on Saturday.
Residents should utilize coastal evacuation routes, which include: Peninsula Blvd, Long Beach Rd., Meadowbrook Parkway and the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway.
Residents should immediately contact friends and family for alternative sheltering locations if they reside south of Sunrise Highway, from the Queens line to Rockville Centre; south of Merrick Road, from Rockville Centre to the Nassau-Suffolk border; and low-lying areas and storm surge zones on the north shore.
“A Friends and Family Sheltering Plan will provide the most comfortable situation during the storm,” said County Executive Mangano.
Nassau County has opened public shelter locations, including: Nassau Community College, located at 1 Education Drive, Garden City; SUNY Farmingdale, located at 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale; and Locust Valley High School, located at 99 Horse Hollow Road.
At 7:00 p.m. tonight, additional shelters will open at:
North Shore High School |
Garden City High School |
John F Kennedy High School |
New Hyde Park High School |
Glen Cove High School |
Sewanhaka High School |
Plainview Middle School |
Great Neck North High School |
South High School |
Farmingdale High School |
Manhasset High School |
Division Avenue High School |
SUNY Old Westbury |
Paul Schreiber High School |
Weldon Howitt Middle School |
Westbury High School |
Mineola High School |
Wantagh High School |
Gerald Claps Career and Tech Center |
Hicksville High School |
CW Post College |
McKenna Elementary School |
|
Town of North Hempstead Shelter |
Bidaewee of Wantagh |
Mitchell Park’s Field House |
All residents throughout Nassau County are reminded to tie down and secure all items outside their homes, as flying debris can be deadly.
“I also urge residents to assemble an Emergency Go-Kit for their family. Among other things, this kit should include medications, a first aid kit, flash light with extra batteries, a portable radio and water and dry food,” said Mangano. “During this time, I ask all residents to take caution, stay calm and follow the direction of law enforcement and emergency management officials.”
To learn more about assembling and Emergency Go-Kit, residents are encouraged to visit www.nassaucountyny.gov and click on the Hurricane icon.
All non-life threatening emergencies should be directed to the County’s special Non-Emergency Hotline at 1-888-684-4274. Residents should only contact 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency.