Statement from Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano on Hurricane Sandy Preparation

“The National Weather Service models indicate that Hurricane Sandy continues to threaten Nassau County with a dangerous coastal storm. Accordingly, I am declaring a State of Emergency based on information received and discussions I had with the National Weather Service. Current weather models predict record storm surge will impact Long Island. Accordingly, I am putting all residents that reside in storm surge zones on heightened alert. We are expecting record storm surges – with current models predicting surges greater than Tropical Storm Irene. Experts predict between 4 to 8 feet of storm surge. A High Wind Watch was issued just a short time ago - as high winds will begin late Sunday night into Monday and Tuesday.

If you live on the Barrier Island - Long Beach, Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach or Point Lookout - you live in a Storm Surge Zone. If you live south of Sunrise Highway from the Queens border to Rockville Centre, south of Merrick Road from Rockville Centre to the Suffolk border, you live in a Storm Surge Zone. If you live on the north shore, in areas 10 feet or less above sea level, you also live in a Storm Surge Zone. I urge residents in these areas to immediately review their Family and Friends Sheltering Plan for potential evacuation. Although public shelters will open for those in need, residents will be more comfortable in the homes of family and friends. If you experienced flooding in Tropical Storm Irene, or you were in close proximity to those flooded in Tropical Storm Irene, it’s likely you will be asked to relocate until the storm subsides.

With respect to hospitals and nursing homes on the barrier island and the length of time to safely transport patients, I am declaring a Mandatory Evacuation of Long Beach Hospital and all the Skilled Nursing Home facilities on the barrier island.

Although the storm track could still change, emergency first responders, police and public works crews remain at the call to assist our residents. Governor Cuomo has dispatched extra ambulances to the County to assist frail and ill residents. I have also been in contact with the MTA, LIPA, New York State and local officials from our towns, cities and villages.

Fully anticipating a severe storm, I have ordered the closure of County parks, marinas and senior centers beginning Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

The time for preparation is now. I ask all residents to stay alert for weather forecasts and messages from Nassau County. I remind residents to assemble an Emergency Go-Kit. 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.

To assist the public, I will activate the Nassau County Non-Emergency Hotline tomorrow, Sunday, at 7:00 a.m. Residents with non-life threatening emergencies should dial 1-888-684-4274 for assistance with down trees and roadside issues. All those with life threatening emergencies should dial 911.

For more information on storm preparation, please visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/hurricane or follow me, Ed Mangano, on Facebook and Twitter.”