Long Island Prepares for Hurricane Earl

Hurricane Earl is gaining momentum toward the southeast coastal region and has been dubbed the second major hurricane of the 2010 season, just behind Hurricane Danielle.

"Our volunteers are already on standby for this weekend as the storm heads towards Long Island," said Priscilla Lee of the Suffolk County Red Cross Disaster Services. "Our vehicles are gassed up and and supplies are fully stocked."

Though Smithtown is not in its direct path, the storm could bring driving rain and strong winds come Friday.

"Residents should make sure that they have temporary lighting available, batteries for flashlights, tarps and ropes to tie down loose things around homes and duck tape to secure windows," said Joe Maher, manager of Smithtown Hardware on Main Street. "Gas cans for generators in case power is lost and bottled water are also good to stock up on."

Suffolk County Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Williams said that the county has put into place a 5-day, 120-hour plan to prepare.

"We are having numerous conference calls with the weather service and FEMA and are checking our resource generators, storage boxes and meeting with the American Red Cross," he said.

Suffolk County Exec. Steve Levy announced that 100,000 MEND brochures were mailed this year to Suffolk County addresses located within a hurricane flood surge zone.

"Cooperative planning among local, state and federal officials and proper public education is critical to mitigating the potential impact of 'Hurricane Earl'," Levy said.

There are several easy steps residents can take to prepare themselves.  The Suffolk County Chapter of the American Red Cross recommends residents build two emergency kits - one for their homes and one to take with them if evacuated - containing the following supplies:

• water (one gallon, per person, per day)
• non-perishable food
• flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• extra batteries
• first aid kit
• 7-day supply of medications
• a multi-purpose tool
• personal hygiene items
• copies of important personal documents
• cash (ATMs and credit cards will not work if power is out)

The Town of Smithtown Office of Public Safety recommends residents prepare by:

• Developing a plan: Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Check your insurance coverage (flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners' insurance).

• Preparing your home: Bring lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, clothes lines and hanging plants indoors. Leave trees and shrubs alone. Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker and turn off water at the main valve. Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas on because you will need it for heating and cooking when you return. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back on. If high winds are expected cover the outside of all windows. Use rated shutters that provide significant protection from windblown debris, or fit plywood coverings over windows.

• Knowing evacuation procedures: Constantly listen to the car or battery operated radio for directions. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes. Take your emergency supplies kit. Safeguard or take the following documents and papers: cash, check book, credit cards stocks and bonds and other negotiable certificates driver's license, personal identification social security card. Public shelters are set up by the county and will be made public closer to the time of the disaster.

Suffolk County has designated both Smithtown East and West High Schools and all three middle schools as shelters. More information about shelters will be released later in the week.

Back in July, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), National Grid, Red Cross, New York State officials and the Offices of Emergency Management of Nassau and Suffolk counties conducted a hurricane drill, as they do every year to prepare for such significant weather events.

LIPA president Kevin Law said it's not a matter of "if" but "when" a hurricane will hit the region after studying recent summer weather patterns.

Commissioner of Nassau County Office of Emergency Services Jim Callahan added that Long Island is "long overdue" for a hurricane, noting that every 17 years, a hurricane should hit the island. The last hurricane, however, that hit Nassau County was a category one named "Gloria" back in 1985.