Rockville Centre prepares for the worst

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A Public Service Announcment from the Village of Rockville Centre

The Village of Rockville Centre is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Irene, which is taking aim at the area and expected to produce 13 inches of rain, sustained winds of 70 m.p.h. with gusts of 85-90 m.p.h. and a storm surge of between 4 and 8 feet, which is coming at a time of astronomical high tides. The worst worst weather is expected on Sunday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

After a conference call with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management this evening, the village recorded an announcement advising residents south of Merrick Road that County Executive Edward Mangano had announced a mandatory evacuation. Residents who cannot stay with family or friends out of the evacuation zone are advised to check the Nassau County website for the locations of shelters. Mangano also declared a state of emergency in Nassau County.

Mayor Francis Murray recorded a public service announcement that will run on the village's TV station.The Herald has it posted on this website, as well, (click on Hurricane PSA.doc to view it.)

The village is expecting delivery of back-up generators for the Recreation Center and South Side High School for emergency shelter. Cots are being ordered and the village already has stockpiles of water and MREs (ready-to-eat meals). Plans for upstate electrical crews to help with the restoration of power are in the works and food and lodging for village workers have also been arranged.

There will be further emergency management meetings and Swift 911 (reverse notification messages) will be sent out as necessary, depending on what happens. A village spokesman said Rockville Centre is taking the storm seriously and the mayor's public service announcement will ask residents to do the same: prepare for periods of no electricity, road blockages, etc.

Check this website for breaking news about the hurricane and the local response.