Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone Asks All Residents in Flood Prone Areas to Make Alternative Arrangements in Case of Heavy Flooding

(Yaphank, NY-October 27, 2012)  All residents of Suffolk County residing in flood prone neighborhoods, or areas, that have experienced flooding as a result of coastal storms, tidal flooding, freshwater, or drainage issues from previous storms or runoff should consider alternative arrangements and avoid remaining in these areas.  Do not be complacent, this storm has many of the characteristics of a hurricane and Nor’easter.  You should be making your decisions and completing your preparations now while the weather is good.  To stay informed, and get updated information visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov.  Please stay tuned to local media for up to date information.
 
Suffolk County in conjunction with the American Red Cross will be opening 3 shelters at 8:00am on Sunday October 28, 2012:
 
· Hampton Bays High School - 88 Argonne  Avenue Hampton Bays, NY 11946
 
· Sachem East High School - 177 Granny Road Farmingville, NY 11738
 
· Brentwood High School - Sonderling Bldg. – 52 Third Avenue Brentwood, NY 11717
 
Suffolk County in conjunction with the SPCA will be opening 2 pet friendly shelters at 8:00 am on Sunday October 28, 2012:
 
· Brentwood Rec Center - 99 Third Avenue, Brentwood, NY 11717
 
· Suffolk County Community College, Eastern Campus - Woodlands Bldg. - 121 Speonk-Riverhead Road, Riverhead, NY 11901

All Suffolk County Parks will close at 6:00pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012.  All campers will be asked to leave Suffolk County campsites by noon on October 28, 2012.Preparation Tips:
 
If you have not done so already, it is important to ensure you:
 
• Check your family’s emergency supply kit – make certain you have food, water, medications, and other necessities to sustain you, your family and family pets for at least 72 hours.
 
• Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area or visitwww.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
 
• Remember food safety – power outages and flooding may happen as a result of strong winds and heavy rains so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer.
 
• Have an adequate communication plan - be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not get through.
 
Keep in mind, hurricanes bring heavy rains, storm surges and possible flooding events. Avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas.


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