(Long Island, NY) No matter which way the wind blows, it seems Suffolk County will bear an impact from Hurricane Joaquin. Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory reminds residents that now is the time to prepare for the Category 4 hurricane headed north.
As of midday on Thursday, Oct. 1, Hurricane Joaquin was hitting the Bahamas, and forecasters could not yet predict its path or how the storm would affect the Atlantic Coast. The National Weather Service is reporting that many portions of the eastern U.S. are experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds, which are likely to continue for the next few days, even if the center of Joaquin turns east and stays offshore.
Suffolk is already seeing effects of the storm. The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood Advisories for Suffolk County’s shorelines through Friday morning, with coastal flooding possible into Saturday. Substantial inland flooding is possible should Joaquin climb up the U.S. east coast.
“At this point, forecasters are still uncertain about the path of Hurricane Joaquin. However, what we do know is that whether it stays offshore or sticks to the coast, heavy rains, flooding and powerful winds are likely for Suffolk County,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “As we learned after Superstorm Sandy, preparation is key to protecting our families, homes and property. The county is in full preparation mode and is coordinating with municipalities, utility companies and emergency management agencies.”
A good resource for residents is the Shelter and Storm Surge Zone Mapping Tool. The map identifies the location of each shelter in Suffolk, which shelters are open, storm surge zones showing potential flood areas, and links to important emergency-related information.
Additionally, the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, PSEG LI and the National Weather Service suggest the following preparation measures and safety tips for residents:
Before The Storm
- 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.
- Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don’t fly into or damage your home.
- 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.
- Make sure loved ones with special needs are on the county’s Special Needs Registry: The Registry includes those with special and/or functional medical needs and is designed to assist first responders in identifying those who need help evacuating and special shelter. Register on 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.
During The Storm
- Tune in to local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
- Follow all instructions issued by local officials.
- Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland hotel or at a designated public shelter outside the flood zone.
- Do not stay in a mobile or manufactured home.
- Take pets with you if you can. Most public shelters do not allow pets other than those used by people with disabilities, so find out which hotels are pet-friendly.
- Set your refrigerator to the coldest setting and keep it closed; this way, in the event of a power outage, your food will stay fresh longer.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- During a power outage, to prevent a sudden electric surge when the power comes back on, turn off major appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and TVs.
- Fill your bathtub with water in case clean tap water is unavailable. Use the water in the bathtubs for cleaning and flushing only – not for drinking.
- Stay away from windows and doors. Keep to a small interior room, closet or hallway.
- Close all interior doors, and secure and brace external doors.
After The Storm
- Watch for closed roads. Turn around if you see a barricade or a flooded road ahead.
- 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.
- Stay on firm, dry ground. Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines.
- Use a flashlight – not candles or open flames – to inspect damage.
- Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe.
- Don’t walk in areas with downed power lines.
