Nassau County - Long Island, New York

Mangano Urges Residents To Be Prepared For Hurricane Earl

First Hurricane of the Season Highlights Need

 

With Hurricane Earl gathering strength off the south eastern coast, County Executive Ed Mangano today announced that the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has begun its 120-hour hurricane window as it prepares for the possibility of Earle reaching Long Island.

“In 1938 the Long Island Express—a Category 2 hurricane—decimated much of Long Island, and the people were not prepared,” said Mangano. “I urge our residents to heed all warnings and follow the direction of our Office of Emergency Management closely.”

OEM has begun to communicate with surrounding municipalities to coordinate response to Earle. The County’s 47 departments have also been put on notice about the possibility of the storm making landfall. The storm track will be monitored closely in the next several days to ensure all plans for hurricane response are put into action.

“A tremendous amount of communication will go into preparing and responding to a major weather event like a hurricane,” said Mangano. “The first steps have been taken today.”

Mangano says every family should have a “Go Kit,” in the event of a hurricane watch or warning. Keep the kit by your front door in a duffel bag. It should have enough supplies for everyone in your household for five (5) days, including:

 

  • First aid kit. Pack a “how to” guide as well.
  • Essential prescription and nonprescription items and medical information.
  • Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio), extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
  • A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
  • Personal items, eyeglasses and personal care items.
  • Important documents in a waterproof container: drivers’ licenses, wills, birth/marriage certificates, insurance policies, deed or lease papers, recent tax   returns, credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security cards, Passport and Home inventory list
  • Make sure you have special items for infants, elderly persons, pets or loved ones with special needs.

 

Many people consider their pets family members, too. Make sure your pets are taken care of with a Pet Go Kit, which should include:

 

  • Your pets' names, address and phone number
  • Your name, address, phone and cell number
  • Emergency contact - friend or family
  • Your veterinarian’s name and contact info
  • Important Documents
  • Medical records : Medications : Specific Care instructions : Behavioral problems First aid kit / medications
  • Current photos
  • Sturdy leash, collar or harness, muzzles
  • Paper towels for clean-up
  • Food & Bottled Water (3 days supply)
  • Manual can opener & Bowls
  • Water purification tablets
  • Toys and other comfort items
  • Treats, brushes, combs
  • Newspapers and plastic

 

***Additional hurricane information is available on the County website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/hurricane.htm

Whether Hurricane Earl makes landfall or has a major effect on Nassau County, Mangano says that this should serve as notice that Hurricane Season is here and residents need to be prepared.

“Take all warnings seriously and have a plan in place for you and your family,” said Mangano. “Don’t take any chances.”