Tropical Storm Warning for Suffolk County

The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Suffolk County early Thursday morning.

"We are working with the county and we will open emergency centers if need be," said Richard McKay, Town of Smithtown chief fire marshal. "Our Marine division has notified boat owners. Residents should prepare by securing any loose items around their homes."

The National Weather Service's forecast for Smithtown predicts rain beginning early Friday with wind gusts possibly reaching 37 mph. Friday night tropical storm conditions are expected to hit the hardest, with heavy rainfall and wind gusts predicted to range from 31 - 47 mph.

Hurricane Earl is currently a powerful Category 4 hurricane centered more than 460 miles south of North Carolina, with winds of 140 mph. The most powerful category is 5 with winds 155 mph and higher.

Edward Schneyer, Suffolk County's Director of Emergency Preparedness, said that the county has successfully tested phone lines and all but one have been repaired. Also, fuel tanks have been filled in emergency vehicles and generators have been checked.

The Suffolk County Chapter of the American Red Cross recommends Smithtown 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: 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 today as the storm nears.

Staff will be set up in both the town and county offices of emergency management over the next 24 hours.

Check back for updates.