Preparing for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Earl is poised to bring tropical storm conditions to Long Island on Friday, in a year when Port Washington residents have already seen several severe storms. 

Storm experts continue to warn that Long Island has been overdue for a category 1, 2, or 3 storm, with intense winds that can prompt evacuations and wreak all kinds of damage, even devastation.

As Bill Goodman, a forecaster for the National Weather Service, put it: "All it takes is one storm heading on the right track to spell disaster for Long Island." 

Preparedness can go a long way towards staying safe. That includes stocking up on food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water, according to the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. Also, have one gallon of water per person, per day for at least five days. And if a hurricane watch is issued, fill your gas tank. 

In case of an evacuation, keep a go-kit. This will include first aid kit, essential prescription and nonprescription items and medical information. It will also include a battery-powered flashlight and radio, extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick. Other must-haves are a change of clothes, rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone, eyeglasses, personal care items.

In a waterproof container, put important documents, including drivers' licenses, wills, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, deeds and leases, recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, social security cards, passports and a home inventory list.

And don't forget special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs.

In the event of an evacuation, your best bet is to stay with family or friends who are not affected by the storm. Schreiber High School and Manhasset High Schools are the nearest Nassau County American Red Cross Hurricane Shelters. However, the Red Cross will only open shelters based on the availability of volunteers and whether essential supplies are in place. Tune in to the news, and follow instructions to find out which shelters are operating.