Politics & Government

Hurricane Earl Gaining Momentum

Officials remind residents to stay informed and prepared this hurricane season.

Hurricane Earl is gaining momentum toward the southeast coastal region and has been dubbed the second major hurricane of the 2010 season, just behind Hurricane Danielle.

Though Port Washington is not in its direct path, the storm could bring driving rain and strong winds come Friday. To keep residents safe, officials are reminding residents to stay informed and prepared.

According to Sid Nathan, a spokesman from the Town of North Hempstead, residents will be notified by either the town's Reverse 311 system or  the Port Washington Office of Emergency's a reverse call program, which targets all phones on the peninsula in case of an emergency.  In addition, websites and North Hempstead's TV station will have the latest information. What's more, the town is sending out and giving away a "Preparing for the Unexpected" brochure, which is also available online. 

Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While there are no evacuation routes on the North Shore, "the state controls traffic signals on major North South routes – Port Blvd for example – and they would control those lights in case of an emergency," Nathan noted.

Staying informed is key. That's why Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) is reminding residents to sign up for NorthShoreAlert, a notification system through the Port Washington-Manhasset Office of Emergency Management. Through this service, officials in the peninsula can keep community members current. People can receive this time-sensitive information at home or work, and also by cell phone, or even email or text. To sign up, visit NorthShoreAlert.org.

Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

NorthShoreAlert augments the notification system offered by Nassau County, which calls the home phones of residents in affected areas with evacuation instructions. In addition, back in July, County Executive Ed Mangano produced a hurricane readiness brochure so that residents understand the different levels of hurricanes, the impact these storms can have on Long Islanders, and how to prepare. 

Also in July, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), National GridRed Cross, New York State officials and the Offices of Emergency Management of Nassau and Suffolk counties conducted a hurricane drill, as they do every year to prepare for such significant weather events.

LIPA president Kevin Law said it's not a matter of "if" but "when" a hurricane will hit the region after studying recent summer weather patterns.

Remember, staying informed and prepared can go a long way towards safety.

 


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