Winter Storm: What Town Of Smithtown Residents Should Know

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — The snowstorm has begun. A massive white blanket is slated to hit Long Island between Monday and early Tuesday. The Town of Smithtown issued a winter storm advisory and gave advice on how residents should handle the storm.

Travel is likely to be dangerous, and the 60 mph wind gusts could bring down trees and limbs. Up to 2 feet of snow is expected, and blizzard-like conditions are possible late Monday morning and Monday afternoon.

The Town of Smithtown has compiled information regarding the storm, the cleanup process, reporting power outages, and the proper contact information for those in need of further assistance.

Animals & Family Pets

All domestic animals should remain indoors during the freezing temperatures, with the exception of allowing dogs to venture out briefly to go to the bathroom, according to the town. Outdoor animals should be sheltered indoors during the storm. To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals, you can call 631-360-7575.

Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs Individuals

Residents were asked by the town to check on their neighbors with disabilities, special needs, or senior citizens.

"Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food and blankets," the town said. "Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency. If further intervention is required please contact the Office for People with Disabilities at 631-360-7642."

Road Preparations and Snow Cleanup:

Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy said crews have begun preparations for the significant weather event as of Sunday. The full fleet is outfitted with plows and spreaders for snow removal. Starting Sunday afternoon, crews began to prep sidewalks and roads, applying a beet juice brine, which prevents icing conditions.

To report icing and other issues related to conditions along the roads, you can contact the highway department at 631-360-7500.

Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety will be staffing the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinating efforts with Suffolk County and PSEG in the event of power outages. Public Safety urged residents to stay off of the roads, which lessens the potential for accidents.

"Use extreme caution and if you must travel, please do so with a winter survival kit. In the event, you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call authorities."

All non-life-threatening calls can be directed to the department of public safety at 631-360-7553.

Post-Storm Safety

When plowing driveways, residents are asked to not block fire hydrants with snow mounds. Public Safety Fire Marshals urged residents using generators to take a moment to confirm that the exhaust is facing outwards and at least 20 feet away from a building.

"This can protect loved ones from CO poisoning and can prevent fires caused by generators incorrectly positioned," the town said.

Power Outages - PSEG Information: View PSEG Long Island’s outage map: Click Here

To report and receive status updates on an outage, you can text OUT to PSEGLI (773454). To report an outage online, you can visit the PSEG website.

To register, you are asked to have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454).

Downed wires should always be considered "live." Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire, you are asked to call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075.

Useful Numbers:

Stranded Vehicles: If there is an emergency, residents are advised to dial 911 immediately. All non-life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety at 631-360-7553.

Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or leave messages after hours.

Animals & Family Pets: To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals, you can call 631-360-7575.

Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: For assistance with elderly or special needs individuals, you can contact the Office for People with Disabilities at 631-360-7642.