Suffolk County Has Deployed Special Search And Rescue Teams

COMMACK, NY — Henri's downgrading to tropical storm status was welcome news but County Executive Steve Bellone said Suffolk officials still have concerns about the damage flooding and high winds can cause, so urban search and rescue teams have been deployed to help stranded residents.

Bellone said that officials are "very cognizant" of the fact that a little over one year ago, Tropical Storm Isaias did not directly hit the region, but it still knocked out electrical power in 650,000 homes and businesses.

"As we are in the peak of this storm now we are continuing to remain vigilant," Bellone said during a media briefing at the Department of Public Works mainenance yard in Commack Sunday.

The evacuation of Fire Island took place late last night and it was "successful," and so far, about 20 families sought emergency shelter overnight, but mostly out on the East End, Bellone said.
As officials are preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best there is a concern about heavy rains, flooding after a surge during high tide, sustained winds between 30 and 40 mph on the East End, and possibly gusts between 50 and 60 mph in the western portion of the county.

"We could see small bands of rainfall continuing throughout the day, the night, and into Monday," he said. "So, this is a big storm. This is a storm that is not going away anytime soon, but we are prepared, and we have been preparing for a significant weather event."

Bellone met earlier in the day with Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Commissioner John Jordan, Acting Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron, and Department of Public Works Commissioner Joe Brown at the county's Emergency Operations Center to strategize and brief the urban search and rescue teams.

The teams have high and swift-water boats that can get to people who are trapped in cars, and they are ready to head out to the north and south shores, as well as the middle of the county, and the East End. The teams came from the New York Police Department, Fire Department of New York, New York State Police, as well as team from Erie County.
"It really is an example of how people come together, and we come together in New York to work together when crisis comes," Bellone said.

The Department of Public Works has crews that are strategically placed throughout the county. "ready to follow up on whatever damage occurs, and to work with PSEG cleanup and to clear roadways, getting them "ready for power restoration if needed," Bellone said.
He said members of the public looking for shelter to call 1-877-Redcross. To report a non-emergency matter, residents can call 631-852-COPS.