Town Of Islip Preparing For Possible Storm

ISLIP, NY - The Town of Islip Department of Public Works and Public Safety officials are gearing up for a potential weekend snowstorm this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Long Island is expected to see 2-4 inches of snow on Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the 20s, dropping down to the teens and single digits overnight.

In preparation for the storm, town officials announced that all snow removal equipment will be up and running, fueled, with plows and salt spreaders.

If necessary, brine trucks will be out in force, brining all town main arteries, hills, bridges, hospitals and fire departments. Town salt barns are full to capacity and public safety officials will be monitoring roads on a 24-hour basis.

Due to the current ice conditions, as of Friday all Fire Island Ferry passenger and freight service has been suspended until further notice.

Visit www.fireislandferries.com for further information.

In addition, Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter offered preparedness tips to residents to help them stay warm during the frigid temperatures in the upcoming days.

“The senior population, as well as the frail elderly, are particularly vulnerable during extreme cold temperatures," Carpenter said. "I encourage residents to take the necessary precautions and share this information with loved ones who may be at risk.”

Homeowners should be sure to insulate all water supply lines that run through unheated areas such as basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces and exterior walls.

Residents should also be aware that both frostbite and hypothermia will be concerns during this time, with the elderly and homeless at a higher risk.

Residents who need shelter during the bitter cold, to take advantage of Suffolk County’s Department of Social Services Safe Beds program, which provides shelter when air temperatures are at or below, 32 degrees (wind chill included).

Sheltering assistance and food pantries are available from Monday through Friday during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following walk-in centers:

• 2 S. Second Street, Deer Park, 631-854-6600
• 80 Middle Country Road, Coram, 631-854-2300
• 200 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, 631-853-8714
• 893 E. Main Street, Riverhead, 631-852-3500

Those in need of assistance after 3 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, can call the Suffolk County Department of Social Services Emergency Services Unit at 631-854-9100.

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