July 26, 2007

Westchester County officials unveiled a new video today that tells residents how they can prepare their homes for the devastation of hurricanes and tropical storms.

“We all saw the severe damage the Nor’easter left in our county,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “If a hurricane or tropical storm hits Westchester, the situation could be far worse. It is important that everyone start preparing now, by packing supplies and planning where you will stay if you need to evacuate your home.”

The video can be viewed online at http://www.westchestergov.com/. (Go to the “Services” section on the drop down menus and look for “Keeping Safe,” or go directly to www.westchestergov.com/keepingsafe.htm).

From this same section, web visitors may also access  a new online tool – the hurricane evacuation zone finder -- that shows coastal areas that may need to be evacuated if a major storm comes our way. Enter your address and community to find out if you are in an evacuation area.. The section also includes links to other helpful sites dealing with severe weather such as protecting yourself in an emergency, preparing a “go bag,” dealing with a power outage, and a video and brochure on preparing for a hurricane.

The new video, produced inhouse by the county’s Communications Office and featuring interviews with Anthony W. Sutton, commissioner of the County’s Department of Emergency Services, focuses on three things that are critical to preparing for all emergencies:
• packing a bag with emergency supplies:
• developing a disaster plan for your family
• and promptly following directions that you receive from public officials (which you may receive from officials or via the media). 

Experts say there is a very high chance of an above-normal hurricane season from June through November, with an expected seven to ten hurricanes likely forming in the Atlantic Ocean.

That is why all residents should prepare a disaster supply kit, containing the items they need to survive. The kit should include bottled water, canned food, flashlights, radios, batteries and medication. They should also contain cash, credit cards and any important documents in waterproof containers.

In addition to storing supplies, every family should 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 where they can stay if you need to evacuate. Every family member should know who to call and where to go before a hurricane strikes.

But most important, 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.

“When a hurricane is forecast, you may not be able to find all the supplies you need in local stores,” said  Sutton.  “Now is the time to plan ahead and prepare your go bags and emergency kits.”

A disaster supply kit, should containing the items they need to survive, including bottled water, canned food, flashlights, radios, batteries and medication. They should also contain cash, credit cards and any important documents in waterproof containers.

Disaster Plan
A disaster plan should  outline what parents and children need to do in an emergency. The plan should include emergency contacts and the names of friends or family where they can stay if you need to evacuate. Every family member should know who to call and where to go before a hurricane strikes.

Following Directions
Most important, 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 are not told to leave your home because you live outside an evacuation zone 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 is critical that everyone listen to instructions from officials. It is our mission to be sure that all residents in the county can be safe during a storm.” 

For more information on preparing for hurricanes, visit
www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season.shtm

www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml

www.redcross.org/static/file_cont207_lang0_94.pdf

www.hurricanes.noaa.gov/