Senator LaValle Enourages Residents to Prepare For Hurricane Irene

Kenneth P. LaValle

August 26, 2011

Hurricane Irene is quickly making its way up the East Coast. Senator LaValle is encouraging residents to prepare for its potential impact.  Current forecasts have the massive storm reaching Suffolk County late Saturday and continuing well into Sunday.

While it still remains early and hard to predict, the storm can make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, which brings sustained wind gusts, torrential rain, storm surges and flash floods on the coast and inland.

The National Hurricane Center will be providing regular updates on the track, size and impact of Hurricane Irene over the next several days. To access the National Hurricane Center website please click here.

Being prepared and planning well in advance of the storm is the best way to protect your family and property.  Everyone should have a “go-kit,” an evacuation plan and the right amount of non-perishable food, bottled water and other necessary supplies.

The American Red Cross has a detailed guide on hurricane preparedness that can be viewed by clicking here.  Also Ready.gov has additional information on hurricane and emergency preparedness. 

Additionally, you can sign up for Code Red Emergency Notifications from the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management by clicking here.

             Important Phone Numbers

             For all medical and safety emergencies, please call 911

              o      Suffolk County Emergency Management: 631-852-4900

             o      LIPA Emergencies: 800-490-0075

             o      National Grid (gas emergencies): 800-490-0045

             o      Suffolk Red Cross (available 24 hours): 631-924-6700