Red Cross: LI is well-prepared for a hurricane BY MICHELINE MARONI
26 Jan 2010 1 Comment
With hurricane season approaching its peak, Long Island is better prepared than ever to bear the brunt of any size storm, said officials with the Nassau and Suffolk chapters of the American Red Cross.
At a news conference at Farmingdale State College yesterday, representatives from both agencies said a $5 million state grant paid for new emergency shelters, supplies and two customized sport utility vehicles.
In addition, T-Mobile, a private communication network has donated BlackBerry cellular phones for Red Cross officials and additional phones for agency vehicles.
Nassau and Suffolk County officials used the news conference as a way to urge Long Island residents to take the initiative to be ready in case a large category hurricane hits the area in the coming months.
The fact that it has been 23 years since the last major hurricane hit the area – Hurricane Gloria in 1985 – means residents may have forgotten what damage a category storm can cause.
Gloria, with winds in excess of 100 mph, left boats destroyed, streets flooded and some 750,000 residents without electricity.
The deadliest hurricane in Long Island history was never named. It struck in 1938 and tore a path across Suffolk County. It killed 45 people on Long Island and flooded 35,000 acres between Fire Island Inlet and Montauk Point.
“We have a community that hasn’t experienced a hurricane in a whole generation,” said James J. Callahan, commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management.
Callahan said residents should be thinking about putting together a ‘go-kit’ – stored items, like water, canned goods, blankets, flashlights, batteries and personal items for family members.
Nassau has established 20 new evacuation locations that could protect 34,561 people in the event of a large hurricane, officials said.
“We have enough shelters to move people from harm’s way now,” Callahan said.
Nassau and Suffolk counties both have 25 evacuation shelters set aside in case of a large storm, according to Red Cross officials. Despite the improved preparations, there is still a volunteer shortage, emergency officials said.
Residents cannot assume that neighborhood shelters will be open, because there’s a lack of manpower, said Diane Amarosa, executive director of the Suffolk County Red Cross.
“What we really need is more volunteers,” said Amarosa.
The need for more involvement of Long Islanders was made clear by Sam Kille, director of communications for the American Red Cross in Nassau County. “Preparedness is the responsibility of every Long Islander,” Kille said. “When a storm comes we will have to take care of one another.”
Hurricane preparations
Things to do to be ready for a possible hurricane:
- Create a “go-kit”
- Make copies of family documents and keep them in a waterproof container
- Keep cash handy
- Fill vehicles with fuel
- Volunteer for the Red Cross
- Listen to local officials
- Know potential evacuation routes and emergency contact information
- Learn first aid, CPR
- Practice a communication plan with your family
July 16, 2008
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
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