Storms - Be Prepared!
Our barrier island has been threatened by, and at times hit with, hurricanes. And while it is estimated that 80-90% of people living in hurricane prone areas think they have experienced the worst of a major hurricane, most likely they have not. This can give people a false sense of what a major hurricane actually is or the potential damage it can cause. This is why it is important for residents to understand what a hurricane is, how hurricanes can affect our lives, and ways to better prepare in the event one strikes our area.
DOWNLOAD NASSAU COUNTY'S PRINTABLE STORM PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Although we cannot prevent hurricanes, we can certainly prepare for them. If you are prepared with food (items that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water) and water (1 gal. of water per person per day for at least 5 days), an emergency can be an inconvenience, not a disaster.
Everyone has a personal responsibility to be prepared. Creating an emergency plan ahead of time for you and your family will help you stay organized if a hurricane strikes. Your emergency plan should include a communication system, disaster supply kit, and an alternate meeting place if your home is unsafe. Depending on the severity of the hurricane, you may need to evacuate where you live. When instructions are given to evacuate, you will be directed to a temporary, emergency refuge that will provide a safe haven for the duration of the storm. However, it is recommended that you seek refuge with a friend or family member located away from the affected area. You’ll be more comfortable on a friend’s couch than on a cot in a shelter.
Emergency Go-Kits
What you have on hand when a hurricane hits can make a big difference to how well your family handles it. In the event of a hurricane WATCH or WARNING, put these items into a smaller, portable Go-Kit - such as a hands-free backpack or duffel bag - or a container, in case you need to evacuate. Keep it by your front door or an exit in case of an emergency evacuation. Each person should have a Go-Kit. Create your own disaster preparedness kits - one for home and one to go as a “Go Bag” in case you need to evacuate - with enough supplies for everyone in your household for FIVE (5) days.
Personal Go-Kit
Your family disaster preparedness kits should include:
• First aid kit. Pack a "how to" guide as well.
• Medications. Essential prescription, nonprescription items & medical information.
• Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio),
extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
• Clothing. A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Personal items. Eye glasses, personal care items, & comfort items.
• Important document copies in a waterproof container:
• Drivers' licenses
• Wills
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Insurance policies
• Proof of residence (deed or lease)
• Recent tax returns
• Credit card & bank account numbers
• Social Security cards
• Passport numbers
• Home inventory list
• Items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special need
Pet Go-Kit
Your pet disaster preparedness kits should include:
• Your pets’ names
• Your name, address, phone and cell number
• Emergency contact - friend or family
• Your veterinarian’s name and contact information
• Medical records and medications
• Specific care instructions and behavioral problems
• First aid kit
• Current photos
• Sturdy leash with collar or harness
• Muzzles, if necessary
• Paper towels for clean-up
• Food (3 days supply) & manual can opener
• Bottled water and water purification tablets
• Bowls, toys and other comfort items
• Treats, brushes, combs
• Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
Also have on hand, ready to go:
• Secure carriers large enough for your pets to stand
comfortably, turn around and lie down
• Towels or blankets for bedding and warmth
• Cat litter and litter box
For more information, visit the Nassau County
Pet Safe Coalition website www.petsafecoalition.org
A common concern from residents in the County is “How will I know when I need to evacuate?” To answer that question, Nassau County
has installed an Emergency Notification System that will allow the County to call the home phones of residents in an effected area within a very short
time. We will be able to call any landline telephone within a given area and send a recorded message with instructions. The system will be able to make 3,000 phone calls per minute. Working in conjunction with the State’s NY ALERT program, Nassau County also has the ability to get the same message to all cell phones in the same area. It is important that if you have caller ID and see a call from “Nassau County” that you answer the call to get timely information.
Pets are not allowed in shelters. Be sure to make sheltering plans for your pet(s). If you cannot make necessary provisions for your pet, you may want to contact the Pet Safe Coalition Inc. to learn about its “PetSafe” shelter program. They can be reached at 516-676-0808, or go to their web-site at www.petsafecoalition.org. Service animals are allowed in Nassau County shelters. If you bring your service animal with you, have water, food, medicines, toys and other necessities.
If you have any special needs, be sure to take them into consideration when developing your emergency plan for hurricanes. For more information, contact Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and request the brochure on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities.