By Laura Lane
Meteorologists and other experts believe that the Island is overdue for a hurricane. Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg, a Democrat from Merrick, has held 20 public meetings to help residents prepare for such a storm, with the most recent session taking place at the Brookside School in North Merrick on Aug. 14.
Denenberg stressed that although Long Island would not need to be evacuated because it lies above sea level, people still need to be prepared. "Hurricane season is here," he said. "By taking proper precautions, you can protect your family from the risks posed by a hurricane."
Hurricane facts
News 12 meteorologist Bill Korbel of Merrick said that hurricanes require tropical weather. "Hurricanes tend to peak the second week of September," Korbel explained, adding that the last hurricane to hit the Island, Gloria, in September 1985, was a Category 2 storm, with wind gusts up to 85 mph. "Gloria wasn't a real strong storm, but it did a lot of damage, causing local coastal flooding, damage to mobile homes, windows, shingles and scrub damage," he said.
Korbel also noted that hurricanes are fast-moving storms. "The hurricane in 1938, a Category 3, is the one people never forget," he said, "because it moved so quickly. It arrived in Long Island in nine hours. People have to be prepared."
What people should do
Michael Wyllie, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Suffolk County, said, "Long Island is very susceptible to hurricanes. People should buy a ham radio. This way, when the power goes out, they'll be able to know what's going on. And people should only move away from the flood areas."
Wyllie suggested that people in flood zones speak with friends and relatives on higher ground before a storm hits and make arrangements to stay with them when it arrives. And he suggested that people cut tree limbs hanging over their homes before a hurricane strikes. "The older trees will come down even if we have only a tropical storm," Wyllie said.
Gathering needed supplies
Theodore Fisch, regional director of the New York State Emergency Management Office, stressed that people should stay inside during a hurricane. "If a road sign comes at you at 50 to 60 miles an hour, it could take off your head," Fisch said.
He also advised, "Don't go out and walk around near live power lines," explaining that downed power lines might appear to be safe but are often dangerous.
The Emergency Management Office recommends that people put together a "go bag," a knapsack filled with essentials. "Have sweatpants in it, copies of your insurance paperwork, cash, credit cards and water," Fisch said. "Then, even if you have to go, you have something to go with. And remember to include medication in the go bag too."
How to ensure safety
Bob Beckman, deputy sheriff lieutenant intelligence officer of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, recommends that residents join Community Emergency Response Teams. CERTs trains people to recognize, prepare for, respond to and recover from a major emergency. After completing the training, a CERT member can assist response teams during disasters.
Beckman said 472 people in Nassau County have completed CERT training so far. "CERT educates people to take better care of themselves," he said. "We train people to know what to have in your head, home and hand." (For further information on CERT, call 516-573-0636 or log on to www.naassaucountycert.gov.)
Beckman said that even if people are in an area that does not have to be evacuated, they should still have the go bag and other essentials. "Have enough stuff to sustain your family," he said. "We work with the American Red Cross and have identified numerous shelter locations throughout the county, but you don't want to be in a shelter. And you probably won't have to be if you're prepared."
Protecting pets
Nancy Lynch, president of the Pet Safe Coalition, stressed that people need to make preparations for their animals. "Domesticated animals are 100 percent dependent on us," Lynch said. "If conditions are not safe for you, they are not safe for your pet. And most shelters don't accept pets."
Lynch encouraged pet owners to ask friends, relatives, breed club members and groomers to help by committing to sheltering their pets if they have to leave their homes. She also recommended that pet owners contact hotels and motels outside their immediate areas where they might have to live temporarily to see if they will waive a no-pet policy in case of disaster.
"And you can make sure that your pet is a more welcome guest by having a crate and carrier for each animal," Lynch said. "Also, take along enough supplies for 10 days, even if you think you will be gone for a shorter time."
Having a pet disaster kit is recommended as well. Lynch suggests that pet owners have their animals' medical records, medications, collars, leashes, manual can openers, clean-up supplies, and food and water, as well as photos that show the owners with their pets. "And don't keep your pet disaster kit in the kitchen," Lynch said. "That's the place most likely to have a fire."
Legal issues
Peter Reinharz of the County Attorney's Office said that during a disaster, control lies with the county executive. "If you violate evacuation laws, you can be arrested," Reinharz said. "The county executive can close off parks, places of meetings, can restrict use and sale of firearms, and establish temporary emergency shelters. They can suspend local laws too, like traffic laws."
He suggested that people carry two forms of photo identifications at all times, and perhaps burn important documents onto a CD as well.
"If you evacuate an area, the police will seal it off," Reinharz said. "If getting out of the area is difficult, going back in without identifications will be even worse."
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
Disaster contacts
Long Island Power Authority emergency electric service: (800) 490-0075
KeySpan emergency gas service: (800) 490-0045
State road/lane closings, detours: (800) ROADWORK
Nassau County Office of Emergency Management: (516) 573-0636
Nassau County American Red Cross: (516) 747-3500
Town of Hempstead Emergency Line: (516) 489-5000
Pet Safe Coalition: (516) 676-0808
Nassau County Office of Emergency Management Disaster plan
Before you are evacuate your home in the event of a hurricane:
€Cover windows and shutters with plywood.
€Remove all dead and diseased tree limbs.
€Secure patio furniture.
€Top off car gas tank.
€Turn off electricity at main switch.
€Shut gas valve at the appliance, not the main.
