Sen. John Flanagan: Be Prepared For Emergency

Earthquake tremors just graced the area and the tail end of Hurricane Irene is expected to reach us by Sunday--are you prepared? State Senator John Flanagan was at the of the library on Monday night to let everyone know the steps to take in case of emergency.

Senator Flanagan and representatives from the New York State Office of Emergency Management, the Suffolk County Office of 
Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) explained the six basics you should bring with you in the case of emergency evacuation: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.

They suggested keeping the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a large backpack, a duffle bag, suitcase, or covered trash container marked with an asterisk. 

Suffolk County will implement its "Code Red" emergency notification system in the case of emergency, but be prepared by familiarising yourself with evacuation routes and forming an individualized plan.

“It can't hurt to be prepared," said Senator Flanagan. "God forbid something happened, you want to be ready and you need to know how to be ready.”

The attendees were provided pamphlets with expert instructions on how to prepare a disaster supply kit, develop a family
 communications plan, how to protect pets, elderly and disabled loved ones and other important safety tips.

The seminar in Northport was one of three throughout the week. Senator Flanagan and his all-star team will also be heading out to Stony Brook on Tuesday and to Nesconset on Wednesday to speak about disaster preparedness.

Make reservations to attend by calling 631-361-2154 or by sending an email to flanagan@nysenate.gov.