Elected officials announced Emergency measures in effect, in preparation of Tropical Storm Hermine, yesterday. The Storm watch includes widespread flooding and storm surges between 3-5 feet along the western part of Long Island Sound on Sunday in addition to treacherous rip currents. County Executive Steve Bellone, Commissioner Tim Sini, Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works are all working together to assure the safety for all residents throughout Labor Day weekend.
“Since this is a holiday weekend, we are asking our residents and visitors to be aware of the forecast and to use common sense throughout the weekend. We will continue to monitor the projection of the storm and keep our residents updated as necessary.” -Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
Commissioner Sini announced that the Suffolk County Police Department is fully prepared with a completely staffed Emergency Operations Center, 20 emergency search and rescue humvees that can drive through flooded streets, as well as two 5-ton high axle surplus trucks for deep water evacuations. In addition to the on-land protocol, the Department has 79 marine bureau officers outfitted with hi-tech boats to patrol the waters. The Marine Bureau will be coordinating with the United States Coast Guard for rescue efforts, if necessary. And finally, the Aviation unit, consisting of four state-of-the-art helicopters, a team of pilots and Stony Brook University medical personnel, will be available to assist the marine bureau.
“We encourage residents to pay attention to the news and follow updates over the weekend and implore you to follow directions from officials and emergency rescuers.” -Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Tim Sini
The 120-hour checklist has been activated by Suffolk County FRES and the Office of Emergency Management, should the storm hit. The systems for all emergency and communications equipment have been testing. Communication between the municipalities has begun to assure everyone is on the same page regarding emergency plans and strategies.
The Suffolk County Department of Public Works has inspected and serviced All heavy equipment, trucks, pumps, chainsaws, brushcutters and powered tools have been inspected and serviced by County Department of Public Works. Inventory, fueling and staff debriefings are underway to assure emergency debris and tree removal and urgent work on down power lines can happen in a speedy and safe manner.
Precautionary Measures To Take Prior to Tropical Storm Hermine:
Register for emergency service alerts, such as the Suffolk County Code Red Emergency Notification System. The system allows Suffolk County FRES to deliver customized messages directly to homes and businesses.
Create a Smart911 safety profile on 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.
Valuable Links To Keep Informed: