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Hurricane Safety
Overview
As no one can predict where or when a storm will hit, Hempstead Town's Department of Public Safety has compiled this brochure to prepare residents for weather emergencies.
We have been working hard to restore our South Shore communities from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we have replenished our beaches and reconstructed our dune systems using sand dredged from Jones Inlet. We have planted beach grass to stabilize and preserve the fragile dunes, which protect coastal homes and businesses. An Army Corps of Engineers coastal protection project is underway that will further protect our beachfront. The project includes the construction of four new stone jetties and the reconstruction of three existing groins along Hempstead Town beaches.
While coastal neighborhoods remain particularly vulnerable during such storms, strong winds and torrential rain can impact areas further inland. This guide provides a pre-storm checklist and details essential items to have on hand for your home survival kit. Should an evacuation order be given, the guide outlines steps to take and provides information about coastal evacuations. Your safe and orderly evacuation during a hurricane or other emergency situation to a secure, well-provided shelter and your safe return home are our top priorities,
Please review the information outlined below, in the event our township is threatened by a coastal storm or weather emergency.
Before the storm:
- Develop a family preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens our area. Select several places, such as a friend's home in another town or a motel or shelter. Keep a list of their phone numbers and a road map handy.
- Check with your veterinarian or pet advocacy group for information on where to shelter your pets in the event that you need to evacuate your home during a storm.
- Remove damaged and diseased tree branches as soon as you notice them. Strategically remove branches to make trees more wind-resistant.
- If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, listen for weather updates on local radio or television stations and the town's website.
- Organize your emergency supplies.
- Clear your yard of loose objects such as bicycles, lawn furniture, hanging plants, and trash cans. Anchor all other objects (no matter how heavy or large) that cannot be moved.
- Board your windows and doors. Taping windows will not prevent them from breaking but may reduce the risk of flying glass. Open all indoor traps or doors to your attic and close and lock all of your windows.
- Do not drain your pool completely. Lower water levels one foot to accommodate heavy rains. Add extra chlorine to prevent contamination. Cover your pool pump system and securely anchor it in place.
- If you store a boat in your yard, lash it to your trailer securely. Let the air out of the trailer tires and secure the trailer to something sturdy in the ground. If you store your boat in a marina, check your contract; some require that you move it when a hurricane watch is issued. You are responsible for your boat.
- Be sure your automobile is ready should you have to evacuate. Fill your vehicle's gas tank. Check your vehicle's oil and water.
What you need:
- A 7 to 10 day supply of drinking water per person (one gallon of water per person per day).
- A 7 to 10 day supply of non-perishable canned or packaged foods.
- Camera and film or fully charged digital camera.
- Cash (In a power outage, ATMs and banks may not be operational; businesses may not be able to accept checks or credit cards).
- Charcoal or filled propane tank for barbeque.
- Clean-up supplies (mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant, plastic trash bags).
- Cooler(s) filled with ice.
- Emergency tools (wrench, pliers, etc.).
- First aid kit including sterile gloves, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, thermometer, bandages, nonaspirin pain reliever, eyewash, etc.
- Flashlights for each member of the family and extra batteries.
- Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles).
- A manual can opener.
- A non-electric telephone or fully charged cell phone.
- Portable radio and at least five extra sets of batteries or a windup radio.
- Prescription medications and prescribed medical supplies.
- Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, and pre-moistened towelettes.
An evacuation order may come from local officials and/or the governor and will be broadcast by local radio, television stations, and/or the Swift911 Emergency Notification System. Leave as soon as you are given an evacuation order. View the coastal evacuation routes established by Nassau County's Department of Emergency Management.
Turn off electricity, water, and gas. Unplug major appliances. If you are not advised to evacuate, remain indoors. Note: Pets, alcoholic beverages, and weapons will not be permitted inside Red Cross shelters.
Coastal Evacuation Route
Follow the arrows affixed to these blue and white signs.
If you are evacuating you should bring:
- Bottled water.
- Cash, ATM cards, and credit cards.
- Contact and meeting place information for your family.
- Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses.
- Flashlights, battery-operated radio, extra batteries.
- House keys and car keys.
- Important family records in a waterproof container (Include bank records, insurance policies, deeds, wills, birth and marriage certificates, property inventories, etc.).
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact solution, etc.).
- Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses.
- Prescription medication, first aid kit, and medical supplies.
- Quiet games, books, playing cards, favorite toys for children.