by Chris Munzing
Though officials were confident the storm would go the way of 1999's Hurricane Floyd, which roared up the coast with more hype than harm, Long Beach sits in a particularly vulnerable area, on the Atlantic Ocean. The threat of a direct hit by Isabel appeared slim, but the looming storm, coming after a wet spring and summer, presented potential problems for the barrier island communities.
And when it comes to these types of storms, the city doesn't take preparation lightly. City government officials and fire and police leaders met to make sure the city's ducks were all in a row.
In the event of such storms, the city always recommends that residents stock up on supplies they might need should power be lost, such as food, water and medical supplies. People are also encouraged to remove any hanging plants, garden tools, lawn furniture, outdoor ornaments or anything else that could be dangerous in high winds.
In preparations for the storm, the beaches were cleared of all equipment, trash and recycling receptacles and any large debris. Even the most harmless and seemingly insignificant material could cause serious damage if picked up and tossed around by high winds.
The American Red Cross encourages barrier island residents to prepare an evacuation plan for severe storms, provide each family member with an emergency supplies kit, and to constantly monitor the storm's activity by way of television or radio.
In a severe storm, boarding up windows and staying away from glass, windows and skylights is also a good idea.
In addition to making sure that families are prepared, the city urges residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly or homebound, to ensure that they have taken the necessary precautions.
"Do the common-sense things," said Long Beach Police Commissioner John Laffey. "Secure your home, take care of your pets. Make sure you have a portable radio and enough batteries."
The lack of trees in many areas of the city is a huge benefit, according to Laffey. The falling tree limbs and downed power lines associated with large storms aren't frequent occurrences in much of Long Beach.
However, the trees that are around could be more likely to fall during a storm this year, even a weakened one, according to Atlantic Beach environmentalist Morris Kramer. Kramer said that the wet spring and summer have not only caused enormous growth of trees, but softened the ground around their roots as well. In high winds, these trees will be more susceptible. "The wind will then find it easier to topple them down," said Kramer.
Laffey is confident in the city's ability to prepare for such events, but he also added that with each storm comes a large degree of unpredictability. The nor'easter of 1992 surprised everyone when the streets started to flood, Laffey said, something the city didn't think would happen.
"It's very difficult to track," he said. "There are so many independent variables." Laffey cited the level of the tides, the location where the storm hits and the phases of the moon as just a few of the factors that will affect its severity.
Kramer believes that any flooding Isabel may cause will be compounded by the fact that there is more water in the bays and around the barrier isle now. A recent full moon, heavy rainfall and Caribbean storms have bulldozed a large amount of water into the area, he said.
sub: On alert
Should a storm ever force an evacuation of the island, Laffey said that his officers would be present at major intersections and departure points to help move traffic along. Every police officer has been fully equipped for such an event, according to the commissioner.
Departure points from the barrier island are the Atlantic Beach Bridge to the west, the Long Beach Bridge at the center of the city, and the Loop Parkway to the east.
A concern among many residents is the fact that half of the Long Beach Bridge has been closed throughout the summer for repair work. According to the Nassau County Public Works commissioner, Peter Gerbasi, an emergency plan has been in place for the Long Beach Bridge since construction began.
"The traffic flow can be rearranged where any combination of lanes can be used," he explained. Gerbasi said that the current alignment of two lanes into town and two lanes out could be changed to one in and three out, or even four out. While Gerbasi doesn't expect any adjustments to be necessary, he is confident that the established plan will allow for a safe, quick exit from Long Beach should the need arise.
For those residents who don't want to stick around to find out how hard a potential storm will hit, Laffey encourages them to depart early. "If you're going to leave the barrier island, do so well ahead of time," he said.
The Long Beach Fire Department is also prepared for the unknown. "Guys are on alert, making sure the trucks are fueled up," said Fire Chief Scott Kemins. "We plan for it, we get ready, and if it comes we deal with it."
Kemins echoed calls to evacuate early if it's ever necessary. He explained that areas north of Long Beach, like Island Park and Lawrence, typically flood before Long Beach, which sits at a slightly higher elevation. Typically, though, Kemins said, the people of Long Beach are not easily displaced, and most prefer to ride a storm out at home than anywhere else.
sub: Stocking up
Barry Koff, manager of C-Town in the West End, said that as Isabel churned its way towards the U.S., his store prepared for the additional customers by stocking up on specific products. "It's basically flashlights, batteries and water," he said. "We ordered probably 50 percent more water and batteries and got some extra flashlights from one of our suppliers."
Tim Macklin, of O'Rourke Hardware on West Beech Street, said that batteries, candles, flashlights and sand bags were the items in highest demand by his suddenly swelling clientele. Macklin said he was hopeful that a new shipment of supplies would be coming by mid-week.
sub: Are we safe?
According to Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Long Beach is as prepared as it can be for any event requiring an evacuation. "The foundation for an evacuation is there," said Weisenberg, who worked for several years with 19 government agencies to produce a workable evacuation plan.
Though Weisenberg pointed out that the island is higher above sea level than most communities north of it, the threat of evacuation is still there, and it's up to the residents to make it happen. "It's the responsibility of the local communities to make their people aware of the need to evacuate," he said.
In addition to the evacuation plan, Weisenberg also mentioned that, in the event of flooding, the city's rescue departments are equipped with marine equipment and army surplus trucks to aid in any rescues, as well as an upgraded communications system.
Denis A. Miller, a local insurance specialist, believes that any future flooding the island encounters will most likely not result from a hurricane. Known as the "Flood Man," Miller has dealt with flood and homeowners insurance for years and has seen more flood damage done by nor'easters than hurricanes.
"The worst floods have come from nor'easters, because they come in off the bay," said Miller. "The best flood zones are along the oceanfront. The elevation is higher on the ocean side and the dunes have protected the oceanfront."
Long Beach is said to be further protected from a hurricane by Brooklyn Seagate, which juts out into the ocean and absorbs much of the brunt of a storm. "Long Beach is set in a little bit, and, knock on wood, we've been lucky with floods," said Miller.
Still, Miller encourages everyone to get flood insurance. Of the people not required to have the insurance, only 50 percent do. "I tell everyone that just because the bank doesn't require it doesn't mean you shouldn't have it," he said.
In any event, Nigro said, the city is well prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring. "In a hurricane, there's essentially 3 problems: wind, rain and storm surge," he said.
Storm surge, Nigro explained, is the wall of water that is pushed up by an approaching storm. He said that the storm surge expected from Isabel would be 6 to 7 feet. The councilman said that the city can easily handle that.
The community will be protected at both ends of the boardwalk by the dunes. The boardwalk area is protected by a natural dune beneath the boardwalk, as well as sea walls protecting apartment buildings.
For further information on storm preparedness, and tips and advice from the Red Cross, go to www.NassauRedCross.org or call (516) 747-3500. The city's hurricane hotline can be reached by dialing 431-1000 and then dialing 3.
