May 29, 2008

With hurricane season upon us, Westchester County is gearing up in the event of a major storm that could  require local communities to evacuate. Watch our video about hurricanes and tropical storms.

“While it has been 70 years since a major hurricane formed in the Atlantic and crashed directly into Long Island, it was only last year that a major Nor’easter flooded scores of homes, cars and roadways in Westchester, and forced residents to evacuate,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “That is why we are preparing for the worst and urging the public to take steps to prepare themselves should they need to leave home in an emergency.”

The county has purchased new equipment and supplies, including barricades and electronic traffic signs to handle traffic control; electric pumps to clean out flooded homes; and cots, blankets, pillows, toiletries and towels that could be used in shelters in the event of a large-scale emergency.
The supplies, bought with grants and county funds, are designed to supplement municipalities and non-profit organizations that  may need these supplies quickly in the event of a severe storm.

Experts say there is a high chance of a near or above-normal hurricane season from June through November, with an expected six to nine hurricanes likely forming in the Atlantic Ocean. Residents can learn more about preparing  by watching the county’s video on hurricanes and tropical storms and checking out the hurricane zone locator.  The video is also on YouTube. 

To be kept informed of impending severe weather, sign up for emergency alerts.

What the public should do to prepare
There are things that the public should do now to prepare for an emergency and to keep safe. That's why the county’s Department of Emergency Services is continuing  Ready Westchester, a public education campaign that focuses on what residents need to do to be prepared for a hurricanes or other emergencies. 

“You never know when an emergency will occur and you will need to leave at a moment’s notice,” said Anthony W. Sutton, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services. “That is why we have begun this campaign, and are urging residents now to take the time to plan ahead and prepare their go bags and household emergency kits.”

• The county has been distributing go bags, or backpacks to residents containing items needed if evacuation becomes necessary. Paid for with a federal grant, these are being distributed at a variety of public events. 
  
• The county has also been giving out Ready Westchester brochures in English and Spanish that explain what residents should pack in their go bags, and in their larger, household emergency kits, that they may need to survive at home for several days without electricity.  Bus ads are running as well.
  
• In addition to storing supplies, every family should also develop a disaster plan that outlines what parents and children need to do in an emergency. The plan should include emergency contacts and the names of friends or family. 
  
• In the event of an evacuation, residents must listen to and follow instructions from local officials before leaving their homes. If a hurricane is forecast, the county will establish ongoing communications with local officials. Together, they will determine what protective actions residents should take.

“If you're not told to leave your home and you leave anyway, you will only add to the traffic on our roadways and delay evacuation of those that need to leave,” said Sutton. “It's critical that everyone listen to instructions from officials. It's our mission to be sure that all residents in the county can be safe during a storm.”