“Superstorm Sandy taught us that given our location as an island, we are vulnerable to the Atlantic Ocean and susceptible to the powerful and destructive nature of hurricanes,” said County Executive Mangano. “It is critical that residents be prepared for hurricane season and take all hurricane warnings seriously. Don’t take any chances and make sure your Emergency Go-Kit and Family & Friends Sheltering Plan are in place, update your Smart911 profile and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes so that you are ready should Emergency Management officials determine your neighborhood must evacuate.”

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June to November, with peak season from mid-August to late October. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a below normal season but predicted a 70% likelihood of 6 to 11 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including zero to 2 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). While a below-normal season is likely, there is also a 20% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of an above-normal season. The Atlantic hurricane region includes the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

An updated and accurate Family Emergency Plan is a key component to planning for Hurricane Season. The unique needs of family members, such as the elderly, infants, those with access and functional needs and any pets should be considered. Residents should inquire about what plans are in place at work and schools in case of emergency. After all of the information is collected, gather your family to discuss how the plan works. Practice your plan at least twice a year and update it according to any issues that arise.

The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management has outlined evacuations routes from Coastal Evacuation Areas. Residents should familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and secure their property in the event of a hurricane. To review Coastal Evacuation Areas, evacuation routes or learn additional hurricane preparedness information, please visit the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management website.

Residents should develop a Family & Friends Sheltering Plan in the event they are asked to evacuate their home. If you are advised to evacuate, here’s what to do:

- A Family & Friends Sheltering Plan is recommended for anyone who resides in Nassau County south of Sunrise Highway or north of Route 25A. You should contact a friend or family member that lives outside the zone & make arrangements as this provides the most comfortable way to weather a severe storm.
- Bring your Emergency Go-Kit
- Turn off all utilities
- Take your most reliable vehicle and avoid taking multiple vehicles that create gridlock
- Utilize evacuation routes listed here.

Residents should assemble an Emergency Go-Kit, keep it by their front door in a duffel bag and include enough supplies for everyone in the household for 5 days, including:

- First aid kit. Pack a “how to” guide as well.
- Essential prescription and nonprescription items and medical information.
- Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio), extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick.
- A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
- Personal items, eyeglasses and personal care items.
- Important documents in a waterproof container: drivers’ licenses, wills, birth/marriage certificates, insurance policies, deed or lease papers, recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security cards, Passport and Home inventory list
- Make sure you have special items for infants, elderly persons, pets or loved ones with special needs.

Residents can also safeguard their pets by preparing a Pet Go-Kit, which should include:

- Your pets’ names, address and phone number
- Your name, address, phone and cell number
- Emergency contact - friend or family
- Your veterinarian’s name and contact info
- Important Documents
- Medical records : Medications : Specific Care instructions : Behavioral problems First aid kit / medications
- Current photos
- Sturdy leash, collar or harness, muzzles
- Paper towels for clean-up
- Food & Bottled Water (3 day supply)
- Manual can opener & Bowls
- Water purification tablets
- Toys and other comfort items
- Treats, brushes, combs
- Newspapers and plastic

Most recently, Nassau County adopted plans for a co-sheltering program with Nassau Community College, to allow residents and their pets to be housed in the same facility with our new County Animal Response Team. Under the co-sheltering program, owners will be housed in a separate portion of the building but provided easy and controlled access to their pets. Owners will be issued identification bracelets linking them to their pets. Volunteers will operate the shelter, but less oversight will be necessary since owners are allowed to feed, exercise and interact with pets. Additional emergency pet shelter training will be provided to volunteers and non-profit organizations that wish to participate in the C.A.R.T. Program. Individuals interested in C.A.R.T. training, please contact Nassau O.E.M. at (516) 573-0636.

While not just geared toward Hurricanes, County Executive Mangano encourages residents to also sign up for SMART911. Smart 911 allows residents to create a free safety profile for their household that can include family members, medical conditions, allergies, pets and emergency contacts. This information enhances 911 call taking, streamlines response times, provides emergency alerts to residents and assists in the planning and response in the event of a disaster. The safety profile provides a way for residents to also include information that will enhance disaster response such as power needs for medical equipment, evacuation assistance and sheltering needs.

Nassau County residents know all too well the threats posed by Hurricane Season. Now is the time to prepare. Many resources are available for residents prepare, including free Red Cross and NassauNow mobile apps for smartphones and tablets.

Pictured (left to right): PSEG Long Island President and COO David Daly; Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano; Long Island Red Cross CEO John Miller; and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.