Says County Will Re-examine Its Own Preparedness

Mineola, N.Y- In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Long Island Power Authority and Keyspan Energy today urged all Nassau residents to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane hitting Long Island's shores, while highlighting the County's evacuation routes.

"The last two weeks have been a tragic eye opener to the possible wrath of Mother Nature is capable of," County Executive Suozzi said. "Though a storm mirroring the strength of Hurricane Katrina is unlikely to hit Long Island, a smaller hurricane could cause a significant amount of damage. That's why we want all of our citizens to be prepared."

In the event that evacuation from the South Shore is necessary, Long Island Buses and Long Island Railroad trains would run extra routes to provide transportation to those without other means of escape. They would be taken to the Nassau Community College Athletic Complex, according to OEM Director of Planning Terence Winters. Winters said that area would serve as the coordination point for evacuations.

Winters added that all evacuations are coordinated with police, and he encouraged residents to make sure their neighbors are making their way north. "We encourage neighbors to look after each other, especially senior citizens and the homebound," he said.

The OEM issued a pamphlet outlining steps that residents should take in the face of an approaching hurricane. The most important step, according to OEM Commissioner Richard Rotanz, is to create a plan of action, including a communication system, disaster supply kit, and an alternative meeting place if your home is threatened.

"The most important level of preparation in the face of a hurricane is household preparedness," said OEM Commissioner Rotanz. "Make sure you have food, water, cash, flashlights and a radio. Monitor the weather stations, and listen to any government warnings."

"To avoid the loss of life, it's vitally important that everyone - individuals, families, large and small businesses - have a plan in place now to protect one's personal health and safety and to mitigate property damage to the greatest extent possible," said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel.

To help people prepare, Legislator Denenberg will host a Long Island hurricane symposium with Northeast Hurricane Expert Dr. Nicholas Coch Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 7 p.m. at Calhoun High School. The meeting will provide helpful tips on hurricane preparation.

"With hurricane season upon us, this symposium is a great opportunity for our residents to gain important information and knowledge on how to prepare for and protect their families from costal storms," said Legislator Denenberg.

"The last time a Category 3 hurricane hit Long Island was in 1938, caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and leaving more than 60,000 people homeless," County Executive Suozzi said. "A storm of that magnitude today would be exponentially more devastating. Preparation could make all the difference for your family. We want to assure residents that the County is fully prepared to evacuate and care for those who may need assistance should a hurricane strike Long Island.