FAIR HARBOR FIRE DEPTFair Harbor Fire Department

All Volunteer FIRE and EMS - EST. 1931

Proudly Serving Fair Harbor, Dunewood and Lonelyville

 

Evacuation Information 

HURRICANE/STORM ACTION CHECKLIST

Here is a list of the many things to consider before, during and after a hurricane. Some of the safety rules will make things easier for you during a hurricane. All are important and could help save your life and the lives of others.

Stay or Leave?

When a hurricane threatens your area, you will have to make the decision whether you should evacuate or whether you can ride out the storm in safety at home.

If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave! Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.

In general:

At Beginning of Hurricane Season (June) Make Plans for Action

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued for Your Area

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued for Your Area

After the All-Clear is Given

Source: NOAA

Hurricane and Natural Disaster Information from the Town of Islip

A MESSAGE FROM
SUPERVISOR PETE McGOWAN

ENTER THE SEASON PREPARED
Since you live in a coastal area, plan a flood-free evacuation route. Islip's hurricane preparedness plan includes designated safe areas, areas to be evacuated during a hurricane emergency, and safe evacuation routes to shelter. Get information on emergency planning in your area by contacting the Town of Islip Public Safety Office at 224-5300.

Hurricanes can cause extensive flooding, not just along the coastline, but far inland as well.  Flood insurance is valuable financial protection. You should be aware that your homeowner's policy probably does not cover damage from flooding. Check into the availability of flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program by contacting your local insurance agent or broker.

Prior to the hurricane season, check to see that you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries and candles.

ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS
Thanks to modern detection and tracking devices, the National Weather Service can usually provide 12 to 24 hours of advance warning. Advisories are issued by the National Weather Service when hurricanes approach land.

A HURRICANE WATCH WATCH is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to coastal areas. Everyone in the area covered by the "watch" should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a hurricane warning is issued.

A HURRICANE WARNING Is issued when hurricane winds of 74 miles an hour or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in a specific coastal area within 24 hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately.

LEAVE EARLY from low-lying beach areas that may be swept by high tides or storm waves.

BE AWARE that some areas may flood long before the arrival of the storm. Your escape may be further complicated by the fact that the density of population of some areas makes it mathematically impossible for the few roads or ferries to accommodate everyone within one day. Don't get caught by the hurricane in your car on an open coastal road.

GETTING READY FOR THE HURRICANE
1. Check battery-powered equipment. Your battery-operated radio could be your only source of information, and flashlights will be needed if utility services are interrupted.
2. Keep your car fueled in the event an evacuation is ordered. Also be aware that service stations may be inoperable after the storm strikes.
3. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils, as your water supply may be contaminated or damaged by the storm.
4. Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or tape. Danger to small windows is mainly from wind-driven debris. Larger windows may be broken by wind pressure. Use of tape is an effective way of preventing flying glass.
5. Secure all outdoor objects. Garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, porch furniture, and a number of other harmless items become deadly missiles in hurricane winds.
6. Moor your boat securely before the storm arrives or move it to a designated safe area.

DURING THE HURRICANE
Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely dangerous. Be especially wary of the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a half hour or more. At the other side of the "eye," the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction.

IF AN EVACUATION IS ORDERED
1. Listen to your local radio station (see: Emergency Information) for evacuation notification.
2.  Call the Town of Islip Public Safety / Emergency Management Office (224-5300) for the nearest evacuation center location and, if necessary, the location of the evacuation center staffed with medical personnel.
3. Fire Island residents should prepare for departure from nearby ferry terminals. Ferries will be provided to the mainland where bus transportation will take residents to evacuation shelters.
4. Evacuees are reminded that the following items are not per mitted in an emergency shelter: alcohol, non-prescription controlled substances, weapons, and animals. Provisions will be made at the Town of Islip Animal Shelter for pets.

AFTER THE HURRICANE HAS PASSED
Keep tuned to your local radio or television station for advice and instructions from local government about emergency medical, food, housing, and other forms of assistance.
Stay out of disaster areas which could be dangerous and where your presence will interfere with essential rescue and recovery work.
Do not drive unless you must. Debris-filled streets are dangerous, and roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles. Along the coast, soil may be washed from beneath the pavement, which could collapse under the weight of a car.
Avoid loose or dangling wires and report them immediately to LILCO, the police, or the fire department.
Report broken sewer mains to the Southwest Sewer District, and report contaminated water mains to the water authority which serves your area.
Hurricanes moving inland can cause severe flooding. Stay away from river banks and streams until all potential flooding is past.
If power has been off, check refrigerated food for spoilage. Be suspicious of water that may have been contaminated.
When operating a portable stand-by generator, make sure it is not directly connected to your home wiring. Improperly connected generators can present severe hazards to work crews and to your generator.
If you are in a public shelter, remain there until informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave.
Make your plans and preparations for a hurricane emergency the subject of a family discussion. Share your family's plans with friends and relatives. Hurricane preparedness is a team effort for everyone in the neighborhood and community.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Keep tuned to B-103 (103.1 FM), WALK (97.5 FM, 1370 AM), WBAB (102.3FM, 1240AM), or WBU (106.1 FM) for the latest weather advisories as well as special instructions from local government.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Public Safety / Emergency Management ..... 224-5300
Street Flooding and Road Repairs .................224-5600
Local Police, Fire, Ambulance ..........................911 or "0"
Brentwood Water District
  Emergency Service ..........................................231-6880
Suffolk County Water Authority
  Emergency Service ..........................................685-0683
Southwest Sewer District ................................587-5000
American Red Cross Disaster Relief ..............924-8911
LIPA .......................................................(800) 490-0075

Reproduced as a public service from Town of Islip: Hurricane & Natural Disaster Information, 1998. Please call the Town of Islip Public Safety Department at (631) 224-5300 for the most recent and updated materials and recommendations.