Mineola, NY --Although we cannot prevent hurricanes, Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management certainly would like residents to prepare for them.

“Hurricane season officially began on June 1st and will last until November 30th,” explained Legislator Jacobs. “During this season, emergency preparedness is essential and I ask all residents to assemble a survival kit that would include a communication system, disaster supply kit, and an alternate meeting place if your home is unsafe.”

Survival kits should contain information and supplies for your home and to take with you to an emergency evacuation shelter. FEMA and Red Cross recommend the following for your kits:

• Photo identification and proof of address
• Insurance policies
• Banking, Credit Card information and money
• Emergency contact information including names and phone numbers of those in your personal support network, family members, doctors, equipment suppliers, and utility companies
• One-week supply of non-perishable canned/packaged food
• Bottled water (gallon/day)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Plastic trash bags
• Battery operated radio/TV with extra batteries
• Family photos
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Blankets and pillows
• Change of clothes
• Childcare items
• Cell phone w/ spare batteries
• Baby supplies
• Pet carrier/cage with toy, food and water for pets, leash/harness with ID Tag

If you are evacuating to a shelter, before you leave the house:

• Secure windows and shutters with plywood for storm emergencies
• Remove all downed shrubbery and tree limbs from your property
• Secure patio furniture
• Top-off car gas tank
• Turn off electricity at main switch
• Shut gas valve at the appliance, not the main
• Let friends, relatives or neighbors know where you are going.

Protecting Pets and Animals

Pets are not allowed in shelters. Be sure to make sheltering plans for your pet(s). If you cannot make necessary provisions for your pet, you may want to contact the Nassau County Chapter of American Red Cross to learn about its “PetSafe” shelter program. Service animals are allowed in Nassau County shelters. If you bring your service animal with you, have water, food, medicines, toys and other necessities.

Special Needs

If you have any special needs, be sure to take them into consideration when developing your emergency plan for hurricanes. For more information, contact Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and request the brochure on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities, refer to Red Cross and FEMA’s website.

Work and School

Every workplace and school should have an evacuation plan and emergency procedures. Become familiar with evacuation plans in areas where you spend a great deal of time. You may want to store a few essential items at these locations as well.

In the event of an emergency use the following numbers to reach help:
TYY Relay Operator – 800-421-1220
Nassau County OEM – 573-0636
Nassau County Main Number – 571-3000
Nassau County American Red Cross – 747-3500
Nassau County Police – 573-7000