Town Urges Residents To Prepare As Tropical Storm Approaches

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY — With part of our region already under a Tropical Storm Watch, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is urging residents to make necessary preparations as Elsa — currently a tropical storm — could bring significant winds, heavy rain and flooding to our area Thursday night and into Friday.

Town crews have begun clearing storm drains and basins, preparing chainsaws and other equipment to address downed trees, and securing assets in anticipation of the storm's impact. Residents are also reminded to update or develop their family emergency plan, emergency go-kits and family & friends sheltering plan, as storms can quickly evolve into dangerous situations requiring quick action and sometimes evacuation.

"Superstorm Sandy taught us that given our location as an island, we are vulnerable to the Atlantic Ocean and susceptible to the powerful and destructive nature of hurricanes," said Saladino. "With Tropical Storm Elsa already staring in our direction, it is critical that residents be prepared and take all storm and hurricane warnings seriously. Don't take any chances and make sure your emergency go-kit and family & friends sheltering plan are in place and ready should officials determine your neighborhood must evacuate."

An updated and accurate family emergency plan is a key component to planning for hurricane season. The unique needs of family members, such as the elderly, infants, those with access and functional needs and any pets should be considered. Residents should inquire about what plans are in place at work and schools in case of emergency.

After all of the information is collected, gather your family to discuss how the plan works. Practice your plan at least twice a year and update it according to any issues that arise. Residents should assembly an emergency go-kit, keep it by their front door in a duffel bag and include enough supplies for everyone in the household for five days, including:

• First aid kit. Pack a "how to" guide and masks as well.
• Essential prescription and nonprescription items and medical information.
• Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio), extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
• A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Personal items, eyeglasses and personal care items.
• Important documents in a waterproof container: drivers' licenses, wills, birth/marriage certificates, insurance policies, deed or lease papers, recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security cards, Passport and home inventory list.
• Make sure you have special items for infants, elderly persons, pets or loved ones with special needs.

Residents can also safeguard their pets by preparing a pet go-kit, which should include:

• Your name, address, phone and cell number.
• Emergency contact - friend or family.
• Your veterinarian's name and contact info.
• Important documents.
• Medical records.
• Medications with specific care instructions and behavioral problems.
• First Aid kit.
• Current photos.
• Sturdy leash, collar or harness, muzzles.
• Paper towels for clean-up.
• Food and bottled water (three-day supply).
• Manual can opener and bowls.
• Water purification tablets.
• Toys and other comfort items.
• Treats, brushes and combs.
• Newspapers and plastic bags.

Residents should develop a family & friends sheltering plan in the event they are asked to evacuate their home. A sheltering plan is recommended for anyone who resides in south of Sunrise Highway or in low lying areas north of Route 25A. You should contact a friend or family member that lives outside the zone and make arrangements, as this provides the most comfortable way to weather a severe storm.

To report downed trees or stranded cars during a storm, call Public Safety at (516) 677-5350. To report a power outage or an electrical emergency, call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0075.