Editorial: Heed Irene's deadly threat
Destruction in Westhampton Beach after the 1938 hurricane known as the Long Island Express Credit: NATIONAL ARCHIVES
We may know soon enough whether Long Island is prepared for the big one.
Hurricane Irene is hurtling toward us, and regardless of its final track, the storm has the potential to be massively disruptive from Manhattan to Montauk.
The rain will cause extensive flooding and the winds will bring damaging water surges along the coastlines, and knock down trees and power lines. Surviving such bad weather will require a coordinated emergency response from our governments, the Long Island Power Authority and relief agencies.
Drills have been rehearsed and task forces put in place, but the real event always brings surprising challenges. Officials say they are ready. Are you?
A good starting point is acknowledging there is only so much others can do. What should you do? There's still time to take steps to protect yourself and your family and friends. If evacuations are ordered from the barrier islands and other shore communities, please do so.
For others, it will be a time to make smart choices. If there's no power for a week, how will you cook and how will you stay cool? Do you have food and necessary medications available?
If Irene is only a tropical storm by the time it passes by our area, the winds may still be strong enough to fell many trees, which not only will take out LIPA's overhead wires but delay the restoration of power. Extra efforts must be made by local governments and the often out-of-town repair crews rehanging the power lines.
The little shake from Tuesday's earthquake didn't cause much damage, but it sent a reminder that the force of nature is beyond our control. Respect it. hN
