(Long Island, NY) With a potential winter storm in the forecast for this weekend, Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory urges residents to prepare now for severe weather that may affect Long Island as early as Friday.
“Suffolk County residents can rest assured that their county government will be well-prepared in the event of extreme winds and massive snowfall,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “With 163 pieces of snow removal equipment and approximately 20,000 tons of salt, the Department of Public Works is in a strong position to clear snow and ice from our roads. However, residents should still drive with extreme care and take other appropriate precautions to ensure they are prepared for potentially blizzard-like conditions.”
The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, PSEG LI and the National Weather Service suggest the following preparation measures and safety tips:
- Buy salt and shovels in preparation for clearing your driveway and sidewalks.
- Make sure you have sufficient home heating fuel.
- Fill your car with gas.
- Make sure you have cash. ATMs don’t work if there is a power outage!
- Check batteries in flashlights, radios and other devices you will need.
- Put together an emergency supplies kit: Have enough food, water, medication and other supplies to last for at least three days. For more information on building a kit, visit the Office of Emergency Management website.
- Sign up for Suffolk County’s free CodeRED high-speed notification system, used to contact registered users through phone calls, emails and text messages during an emergency. To receive alerts, visit the Office of Emergency Management website.
- Run water to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Wear a hat, gloves and scarf to protect yourself from extreme cold when outside.
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are operational. Unvented or malfunctioning space heaters may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
- Check in on relatives who are elderly or sick.
- Tune in to local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
- Follow all instructions issued by local officials.
- During a power outage, to prevent a sudden electric surge when the power comes back on, turn off major appliances such as refrigerators and TVs.
- Listen to the radio or TV for important safety updates.
- Watch for closed roads. Do not attempt to drive through a closed road.
- Assume downed power lines are live wires and stay as far away from them as possible.
- Report outages and downed power lines to PSEG: Call 800-490-0075; text “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454); or report online at www.psegliny.com
- Don’t walk in areas with downed power lines.
Important numbers:
- In case of emergency, dial 911. For police-related, non-emergencies: (631) 852-COPS.
- Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management: (631) 852-4900.
- Suffolk County’s Temporary Housing Assistance Unit: (631) 854-9547.
- Suffolk County Department of Social Services Home Energy Assistance Program: (631) 853-8820.
- Department of Social Services Emergency Services Unit (available weekends and after-hours): (631) 854-9100.
For additional information on winter storm preparation, visit the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management websiteor the National Weather Service website.
