Hurricane Season: Get Ready for the Unexpected

After a long and dreadful winter, Long Islanders could not wait for the warmer weather, but along with the beautiful beach days, summer can also bring the threat of a hurricane.

This natural disaster is unavoidable, but the residents can be prepared and know what to do if and when a hurricane hits Long Island.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started on June 1 and goes through Nov. 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, they have predicted 12 to 18 named storms, of which six to 10 can become hurricanes including three to six major ones (listed as a Category 3 or higher.)

So what can we do to be prepared for a hurricane this season?

Everyone should have an emergency safety kit, which includes essential prescriptions and nonprescription medicine, a battery powered flashlight, clothing, any personal items and important documents. For a complete list of items that should be included in your emergency kit look at the attacted the documents.

In addition to having an emergency kit, residents should know where they have to go if an evacuation is to take place. Nassau County has designated specific locations that residents can go to, where food will be provided by the American Red Cross. The list is made up of many schools and colleges in the area, including Nassau Community College.

In Malverne there is a Village Emergency Management Team, which is comprised of representatives from the Fire Department, Police Department, DPW, Ambulance Corp., Building Department, Police Reserves and Malverne CERT. The Emergency Management Team has plans in place on how to deal with a hurricane and if needed, a village evacuation.

“All our village agencies are highly trained and proficient in the services they provide on an around-the-clock basis,” stated Emergency Coordinator William Ward. He continued by saying, “the Emergency Management Team is responsible for the coordination of communications and the response of these village departments during an event such as a hurricane.”

The Emergency Management Team is informing residents about being prepared for disasters. Last year, they sent all residents information about hurricane preparedness.

Currently, they are busy coordinating with the American Red Cross’ Nassau chapter to have an informative hurricane preparedness presentation given at the Malverne Library in the next few weeks.

The Village Emergency Management Team also works together with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, and is planning on making a public service announcement regarding hurricane preparedness that will be featured on Malverne TV throughout the season.

Coordinator Ward also explained Malverne, along with other local villages, have its own emergency alert radio station (1620 AM.)

“It provides direct localized communications, weather alerts, traffic advisories, evacuation notices, emergency orders and other safety information to our residents,” said Ward. 

If power is lost for a few days the radio station will still be able to broadcast messages because it has a back-up generator. If you have a hand-crank radio you'l be able to find out what is happening during and after the storm.

If Long Island gets hit by a hurricane this season will you be prepared?

Take a look at the documents to the right that were distributed to residents in Malverne by the Village Emergency Management Team and by the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, to be ready if the unexpected occurs.