By:Chris Munzing
The Island Park and Harbor Isle Beaches were closed as a precaution over the weekend due to the continuing heavy rainfall as a result of the storm, as were beaches on the South and North Shores, according to the Nassau County Department of Health (DOH).
The beaches were closed because storm water runoff can have a negative impact by elevating bacterial levels that are used to assess bathing water quality, according to the DOH.
The Northeast was spared a major hit from Charley, but with the hurricane season in full swing, Long Island will surely feel the effects, if not the full brunt, of some of these storms. It is important to be able to recognize the dangers posed to the area and know what to do in case the area gets more than a glancing blow.
Andrew Richter, and three fellow ex-Chiefs of the Lido/Point Lookout Fire Department, addressed the Point Lookout Civic Association on Thursday on how to prepare for a major hurricane.
Richter stressed the importance of being prepared to the 75 residents present at the meeting. "Be aware of what's going on, plan early and act early," Richter said. "When you live on the barrier island you have to be responsive and you have to know how to get out of here."
Richter told the Point Lookout residents to make sure that, should the Loop Parkway be under water, they know alternate ways to get off the barrier island. Richter added that should the Loop Parkway be undriveable, the residents of Point Lookout should know alternate ways to get to the Meadowbrook Parkway and other highways and main roads.
He also encouraged anyone on the South Shore to plan ahead and know where they would head, whether it be to a friend's, family member's or a shelter, should the storm force an evacuation.
The last time a hurricane struck the South Shore was Hurricane Bob in 1991 and Hurricane Gloria in 1985. Though the two storms caused extensive damage, they were considered only weak Category 2 and Category 1 storms, respectively.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that the outlook for the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season indicates a 45% probability of an above-normal season, a 45% probability of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season, so the need to be prepared is substantial.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida released information saying that organizing a plan with your family will greatly reduce a hurricane's impact. The NHC offers this advice before facing a hurricane in your area:
n Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
n Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
n Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
n Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
n Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
n Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
n Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
n Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
n Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
n Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
