Suffolk County Executive Bellone, Police Commissioner Sini Provide Storm Preparedness Updates
Hauppauge – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Timothy D. Sini and Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) personnel recently provided storm preparedness updates pertaining to Tropical Storm Hermine. As of 3:00 p.m., County Executive Bellone declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County.
“This is a potentially dangerous storm that could produce significant flooding on Fire Island and along the South Shore,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Although this storm will not hit us directly, the storm could potentially be worse in some ways. It appears the storm will sit off the coast for two to three days. As we continue to monitor the track of the storm today and into tomorrow morning, we want people to be aware of the potential for significant flooding and encourage our residents and visitors to stay tuned to updates.”
Suffolk County’s south shore has been placed under a flood watch. National weather experts are anticipating storm surges up to 3-5 feet along shoreline communities, and are preparing for heavy rains, strong sustained winds and beach erosion.
Suffolk County has also issued a voluntary evacuation of Fire Island by 1:00 p.m. Sunday (tomorrow) to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in the event of conditions worsening.
Inclement weather and storm conditions could necessitate shutting down ferry service due to water rising three feet above ground level. In addition, Suffolk County has been informed that full medical services have been removed from Fire Island by Northwell Health today. Residents with medical conditions on Fire Island should be aware of the lack services available and adhere to the recommendation of an evacuation.
Suffolk County beaches will be closed to swimming starting tomorrow for an indefinite period of time. The Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation is currently monitoring campsites.
Suffolk County is also in continuous communication with the American Red Cross. Fourteen temporary assistance shelters are available and ready to be opened on an as-needed basis.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for various emergency service alerts, including the Suffolk County Code Red Emergency Notification System. The system allows Suffolk County FRES to deliver customized messages directly to homes and businesses. Residents can enroll in this free program through www.suffolkcountyny.gov<http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov>.
Residents are also urged to create a Smart911 safety profile on www.smart911.com<http://www.smart911.com> to give operators valuable information that will be displayed on a 9-1-1 call taker’s screen if you have to make an emergency call – saving valuable minutes or seconds.
For more information, hurricane safety preparedness tips and storm updates, log onto www.facebook.com/stevebellone<http://www.facebook.com/stevebellone>, www.suffolkcountny.gov<http://www.suffolkcountny.gov> and www.facebook.com/suffolkpd<http://www.facebook.com/suffolkpd>.
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