Politics & Government

Time to Prep for Hurricane Earl Is Now

Town of Oyster Bay has a list of do's and don'ts for active hurricane season.

Reports that Hurricane Earl could skirt the Eastern Seaboard all the way to Long Island by the end of this week is no surprise to those who keep up with these things. 

On average, hurricanes hit the New York metropolitan area every 17 years. The last hurricane to come ashore onto Long Island was Hurricane Gloria in 1985, which means Long Island is overdue.

"All it takes is one storm heading on the right track to spell disaster for Long Island," National Weather Service forecaster Bill Goodman told residents in Freeport earlier this month.

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Goodman said a hurricane off the shore of North Carolina can reach Long Island in 10 hours. Hurricane Earl is expected to be off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., within the next few days.  

The Town of Oyster Bay has produced a list to help residents prepare for a hurricane. Essential supplies should include:

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* Basic first aid kit, including prescription medications, and don’t forget prescription eyeglasses for your family.

* Non-perishables such as dry milk, boxed drinks, peanut butter, canned meats, tuna, beans, bread, crackers, cereal, dried fruit, non-electric can opener, paper plates & utensils.

* Blankets, pillows, extra clothes, set of car keys, health insurance I.D. card, credit cards and extra cash.

* Photo I.D. (driver's license)

Also:

* Make arrangements for temporary shelter for pets in the event of evacuation. Pets are not permitted at hurricane evacuation centers.

* Establish an out-of-town phone check-in number that family members can call in case of separation during the hurricane. Keep all calls as brief as possible. Bring cell phone or smart phone, with extra batteries and charging cables.

* Fill clean containers with fresh water from the tap before the storm hits.

* Fill your car’s gas tank. Evacuation may be necessary.

* Make sure all necessary medication is available and prescriptions filled.

* Have battery-operated lanterns on hand. Do not use candles.

* Check fire extinguishers.

* Store all lawn and patio objects that could blow away.

* Place important papers in a waterproof container or in a safe deposit box.

* Check with elderly neighbors or shut-ins. Set up a buddy system to help them prepare for the hurricane and include them in evacuation plans.

* Hold family meeting to discuss evacuation procedures.

* Purchase flood insurance.

* Do not tape glass windows with an X, but do close curtains.

* Take before-and-after photos of your home to document any damage.

 


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