Experts: LI faces another above-normal hurricane season
With Long Island bracing for an above-normal hurricane season, lawmakers and emergency preparedness experts are urging residents to take steps to get ready for the next storm.
"As we enter what is expected to be another active hurricane season we want to remind our neighbors that now is the time to create or update a family preparedness plan," said Joe Spaccarelli, interim chief executive of American Red Cross on Long Island during a news conference in Mineola on Tuesday, the start of the hurricane season. "Long Islanders know all too well it only takes one storm to seriously disrupt our lives."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 6 to 10 hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean with winds of 74 mph or higher, less than 2020's total of 14 but exceeding the typical season with only three major storms of winds 110 mph or higher. There is also 70% probability that 13 to 20 named storms will arise, with top winds of at least 39 mph, according to NOAA.
"You don't know what Mother Nature is going to wallop at us so we want to be as prepared as possible," said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
Last year's hurricane season set records with 30 named storms and the highest number of billion-dollar disasters to strike the country in a single year. Storms were so frequent last year that forecasters ran out of names and began using the Greek alphabet.
On Long Island, Tropical Storm Isaias devastated the region in August, leaving more than 535,000 customers with some 645,000 power outages.
John O'Connell, vice president of transmission and distribution at PSEG Long Island, said the utility has been "working aggressively to update our systems and processes and we are ready for this year's storm season."
Some readiness items on display at the American Red Cross in Mineola during a news conference on Tuesday, the start of the hurricane season. Credit: Corey Sipkin
Emergency officials recommend that, in the event of a storm, families create an evacuation plan and build an emergency kit with critical items such as water, medications, a flashlight, important papers and a battery-powered radio.
"Know what you're going to do when disaster strikes," said Terence O'Leary, executive deputy commissioner of the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "Don't decide and try to make a plan then. You have to be ready beforehand."
Prepping for the Big One
To prepare for a hurricane, experts say:
• Create an evacuation plan if you are separated from your family during and emergency and have to evacuate.
• Build an emergency to-go kit with a gallon of water per person per-day, nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, medications, supplies for infants and pets, a multipurpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important documents, cellphone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Learn how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information such as evacuation orders.
Source: American Red Cross of Long Island
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
