Flanagan to Help Prepare Locals for Another Irene

Around this time last year, Tropical Storm Irene touched down, sending trees into homes and leaving residents without power for days. To help plan ahead for potential disasters, state Sen. John Flanagan, R-East Northport, is hosting a series of three emergency preparedness seminars this month.

Flanagan will host three meetings across the Second State Senate District in August and September – Dix Hills, Selden and Smithtown. 

The meetings will include presentations from representatives of the New York State Emergency Management Office, the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross and the Long Island Power Authority about preparing for and dealing with most types of emergencies.

All who attend the meetings will be provided with expert instructions on how to prepare a disaster supply kit, develop a family communications plan, and a variety of other important safety tips.

“Being prepared, as most experts will tell you, is one of the most important things a person can do to survive and recover from a disaster," Flanagan said in a statement.

Due to limited seating capacity, residents are asked to RSVP by visiting flanagan.nysenate.gov and clicking on the Emergency Preparedness Information section link on the home page or by calling the senator's office at 631-361-2154.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

Aug. 16
Dix Hills Fire Department
115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills

Aug. 21
Selden Fire Department
44 Woodmere Place, Selden

Sept. 6
Smithtown Public Library
1 North Country Road, Smithtown