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Hurricane Safety
Message From Town Supervisor: Kate Murray
Hurricanes can cause extensive property damage
and major power outages. That's why it is important for all Town
of Hempstead residents to familiarize themselves with hurricane
safety procedures.
To deal with extreme weather conditions, Hempstead
Town has developed an Emergency Disaster Preparedness Plan and coastal
evacuation routes have been established. These routes are clearly
marked with round blue and white signs that provide direction to
pre-designated evacuation sites.
As a valuable tool to assist residents during a
natural emergency, the Town of Hempstead's Department of Public Safety
has compiled the "Guide to Hurricane Safety". In the event of an
emergency, the town website's homepage will have a flashing indicator
to provide residents with up-to-date information.
The town takes seriously its responsibility of
protecting residents. Your safe and orderly evacuation during a
hurricane or other emergency situation to a secure, well-provided
shelter and your safe return home is our top priority.
Before The Storm: Get Ready
 | Develop a family preparedness plan before an
actual storm threatens your 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 local American
Red Cross Chapter 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 is approaching, listen for
weather updates on local radio or television station. 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 can not be
moved. |
| Board your windows and doors. Taping windows
will not prevent them from breaking, but may reduce the risk of
flying glass. Open indoor trap to attic and close all windows. |
| Do not drain your pool completely. Lower water
levels one foot to accommodate heavy rains. Add extra chlorine to
prevent contamination. Cover the pump system. |
| 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 car's gas tank. Check oil and water. |
What You Need at Home
| A 3 to 7 supply of drinking water per person
(one gallon of water per person per day) |
| Cash (with a power outage, ATMs and banks may
not be operational, businesses may not be able to accept checks or
credit cards) |
| Prescription medications and prescribed medical
supplies |
| A 3 to 7 day supply of non-perishable canned or
packaged foods |
| A manual can opener |
| Portable radio and at least five extra sets of
batteries |
| Flashlights for each member of the family and
extra batteries |
| First aid kit including sterile gloves,
antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, thermometer, bandages,
nonaspirin pain reliever, eye wash, etc. |
| One change of clothing and shoes per person |
| Charcoal, Ice and cooler |
| Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water,
diapers, ready formula, bottles) |
| Toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moistened
towelettes |
| Camera and film |
| Clean-up supplies (mop, buckets, towels,
disinfectant, plastic trash bags) |
| Emergency tools (wrench, pliers, etc.) |
| A non-electric telephone |
Important Telephone Numbers and Links
American Red Cross(516) 747-3500
Long Island Power
Authority(800) 490-0025
To Report an Outage(800) 490-0075
Nassau County Department of Health(516) 571-3410
Nassau County Office of Emergency Management (516)
573-0636
After Hours (516) 571-9627
Nassau
University Medical Center(516) 572-0123
New
York State Emergency Management Office(518) 457-2200
Town of Hempstead (516) 489-5000
Public
Safety (516) 538-1900
Water
Department (516) 794-8300
After Hours and Weekends (516) 794-8181
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA)
National Hurricane
Center
National Weather
Service Eastern Region
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