Hurricane Safety

Overview

For generations, residents of Hempstead Town have made their home along our township’s wonderful shoreline. While many of us cherish the opportunity to live near the water, we must also prepare for the potential of strong coastal storms, particularly during hurricane season.

Hempstead Town has not been immune to the negative impacts of hurricanes and hurricane-like storms in recent years. Major weather events such as Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy remain a vivid memory for many and remind us that we must remain prepared for future storms that may threaten our township. 

From pre-storm checklists and evacuation information to emergency supply kits and important contact information, this brochure serves to help residents of America’s largest township be prepared in the event a hurricane impacts our area in the future. Advanced preparation is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your property from storm damage, and I urge you to carefully review the information outlined below. 

Download our Hurricane Safety brochure. 

P.S. Be sure to update your contact information in the Swift911  Notification Database which is used to provide residents and businesses with notifications should an emergency occur. 

  1. It's Time to Get Ready
  2. Home Survival Kit
  3. Evacuate
  4. Evacuation Supplies
  5. Important Numbers & Websites

It's Time to Get Ready- Before the Storm

  • Develop a family preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area. Make sure members of your household know the plan. Select a place outside the disaster area to evacuate to, such as a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. Keep a list of their phone numbers and a road map handy.
  • Check with your veterinarian or local humane society for information on where to shelter your pets in the event that you need to evacuate your home during a storm.
  • Listen to weather updates on local radio or television stations; receive updates from trusted social media outlets; access information from Ready.Gov or Weather.Gov 
  • Organize your emergency supplies (canned food, drinking water, important medications, flashlights and batteries, first aid kit). Gather important family records (bank records, insurance policies, deeds, wills, birth and marriage certificates) and place them in a waterproof container.
  • Clear your yard of loose objects such as bicycles, outdoor furniture, hanging plants, and trash cans. Anchor all other objects that cannot be moved. Clear debris from drains and gutters.
  • Board your windows and doors. Taping windows will not prevent them from breaking, but may reduce the risk of flying glass. Open the indoor trap to your attic and close all of your windows.
  • Remove damaged and diseased tree branches as soon as you notice them. Strategically remove branches to make trees more wind-resistant.
  • Be sure your automobile is ready should you have to evacuate. Fill your vehicle's gas tank. Check your vehicle's oil and water.
  • If you have a pool, do not drain it 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, securely lash it to your trailer. Let the air out of the trailer tires and secure the trailer to something sturdy on 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.