June 17, 2014
An Important Safety Update from Legislator Howard J. Kopel
HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!
The hurricane season for Nassau County began on June 1st and continues through November 30th. The best way to protect your family and pets during a major storm or emergency is to be prepared ahead of time.
Please do all that you can to prepare your household for the impact of a hurricane. Legislator Kopel reminds you that although we cannot prevent hurricanes, we can certainly prepare for them by creating an emergency plan ahead of time for you and your family that will help you to stay organized.
Hurricane Categories
Category 5 - Catastrophic Damage: Andrew (1992), Camille (1969)
Winds greater than 155 mph with more excessive damage such as overturned housing and buildings. Mass evacuation of residential areas may be necessary.
Category 4 - Extreme Damage: Charley (2004), Hugo (1989)
Winds of 131-155 mph and a mass evacuation of residential areas may be necessary.
Category 3 - Extensive Damage: Long Island Express (1938), Great Hurricane of 1944, Edna (1954), Donna (1960), Katrina (2005)
Winds of 111-130 mph with damage to buildings. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of shoreline possibly required.
Category 2 - Moderate Damage: Bob (1991)
Winds of 96-110 mph with considerable damage to housing.
Category 1 - Minimal Damage: Gloria (1985)
Winds of 74-95 mph with damage to shrubbery and flooding on coastal roads.
Check out Nassau County Office of Emergency Management’s website
for hurricane preparedness information and emergency contacts:
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/OEM/prepare/emergency.html
The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management’s website offers general hurricane preparedness information plus links to emergency shelter locations, evacuation routes for Nassau residents, survival kit essentials, ways to protect pets and animals, disaster checklists to keep you prepared, disaster checklists for those with special needs, and emergency contact numbers.
+ EMERGENCY NUMBERS +
Long Island Power Authority 1-800-490-0075
American Red Cross............................... 516-747-3500
N.C. Office of Emergency Management 516-573-0636
Nassau County Police............................. 516-573-8800
Town of Hempstead .............................. 516-489-5000
Town of North Hempstead 516-627-0590
Town of Oyster Bay .............................. 516-677-5757
+ EMERGENCY LINKS +
American Red Cross (Nassau & Suffolk): www.nyredcross.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov
NYS Emergency Management Office: www.semo.state.ny.us
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
~ Water, one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and sanitation
~ Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
~ Battery-powered or hand crank radio
~ First Aid Kit
~ Flashlight and extra batteries
~ Dust masks
~ Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
~ Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
~ Can opener for food
~ Local maps
~ Whistle to signal for help
~ Cash or traveler’s checks and change
~ Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
