How To Prepare For Hurricane Season On Long Island

LONG ISLAND, NY — The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is upon us. Here are some tips that Long Islanders should know in order to prepare for a potential hurricane, courtesy of Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, the Town Board, and the Town’s Office of Emergency Management.

• Families should have an emergency kit containing: water, batteries, non-perishable food, flashlights, a first aid kit and can opener. There should be enough supplies to last five days for each family member.
  
• Be aware of the emergency evacuation routes in your community.
• Create a family emergency plan with a meeting spot, contact numbers, and exits from your home.
• Plan in advance for pets. Create an animal emergency supply kit with food, water, and other supplies; and research hotels and motels that accept pets.
• Check in on the elderly during emergencies and ensure that they have all the supplies necessary to cope with an emergency situation.
• Create a network of neighbors, relatives and friends who can assist you during an emergency if you need help.
• Have a copy of medical information including a list of medications and health records, and make provisions for any medications that require refrigeration.

"Preparation is key and is one of the best ways to stay safe during a natural disaster or emergency situation," Bosworth stated via press release.

The Town has a public awareness campaign aimed at informing residents about steps to take in order to be prepared for man-made and natural disasters, including hurricanes. The campaign includes a one-minute Public Service Announcement.

The one-minute PSA offers a somewhat satirical look at hurricane preparation, while addressing the many items that should be included in an emergency preparedness kit. It is available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Video by Town of North Hempstead