Storm Preparation Tips

County Executive Bellone said the Suffolk Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services began preparations for the storm, which include:

Preparation Tips: 

If you have not done so already, it is important to ensure you: 

• Check your family’s emergency supply kit – make certain you have food, water, medications, and other necessities to sustain you, your family and family pets for at least 72 hours.

• Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area or visit www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast. 

• Remember food safety – power outages and flooding may happen as a result of strong winds and heavy rains so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer. 

• Have an adequate communication plan - be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not get through. Keep in mind, hurricanes bring heavy rains, storm surges and possible flooding events. Avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas.

• Do not report to a shelter until instructed to. He also reminded residents to use 911 only for life-threatening emergencies, not for information. Residents with non-emergency situations can use the SCPD non-emergency number 852-COPS (852-2677) or the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services line at 852-4900. 

• Charge all electronics including cell phone and laptops before the storm hits.