Senator Fuschillo Offers Emergency Preparedness Tips for Start of Hurricane Season

With hurricane season beginning June 1^st, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) is informing residents about steps they can take to ensure that their families and homes are prepared in the event of a disaster.

“Being prepared is the best way to keep your family and home safe during a disaster.  While many families are unfortunately still trying to recover from the effects of last year's Superstorm, it is important to plan ahead as best you can in case another storm affects our area. With hurricane season upon us, now is the time to make sure you are as prepared as possible,” said Senator Fuschillo.

Senator Fuschillo shared the following emergency preparedness tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services:

• Know the hurricane risks in your area – learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn about local community's sheltering plans, including the location of official shelters.
• Pay attention to the news. Know the Emergency Alert System radio and television stations in your area that will carry official information. Also, monitor National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio broadcasts, if possible.
• Learn the warning signals and evacuation plans of your community.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.
• Have at least a one-week supply of medications on hand.
• Determine if your family has any special needs and develop a plan for meeting those needs. For example: If you have a family member on a life-support system, does your electric utility know about it? Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their County Emergency Management Office.
• Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence.  Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.
• Teach all family members, including children, how and when to call 911 or your local EMS phone number.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
• Discuss with family members what they should do in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane or severe storm. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
• Designate an out-of-area friend or relative whom separated family members should call to report their whereabouts. Make certain all family members have the phone number.
• Install safety features in your residence such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
• Check your home and property for potential hazards to see what actions need to be taken to ensure your safety and to protect your belongings.
• Review your insurance policy. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Inventory household items with photographs.
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.

Residents can get more information about disaster preparedness from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services by visiting their website at www.dhses.ny.gov.