ASSEMBLYMAN

DAVE
McDONOUGH

PREPARE, PLAN, STAY INFORMED
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS


Assemblyman Dave McDonough
Dear Friends:

While Long Island is blessed with beautiful coastal waters, beaches and natural beauty we do remain subjected and exposed to the unpredictable forces of nature – potentially endangering our loved ones and homes. No one can prevent natural disasters but we can take the necessary steps to protect our families and ourselves. Knowing how to respond to natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, snowstorms and fires can prevent injuries and minimize property damage.

I am asking you to take a moment to read this brochure, which includes important information that can help you and your family help prepare in case of a natural disaster as well as what to do during and after the emergency.

By familiarizing yourself with these basic safety steps, you and your family will be better prepared during the emergency situation and until help arrives. I hope that you never have to use this information, but you will have peace of mind knowing you are prepared.

Sincerely,
signature
David G. McDonough
Member of Assembly
19th District




HURRICANES

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Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can predict if hurricanes will result from tropical storms. Residents of coastal communities, such as Long Island, should plan for the damaging effects or be ready to evacuate if a hurricane comes this way. Remember, parts of Hurricane Gloria struck Long Island in 1985, so our region is not safe from nature’s fury.

Prepare for a hurricane

  • Assemble an emergency supply kit.

  • Be familiar with hurricane terms.

  • Secure property and possessions.

  • Fill vehicles with gas.

Plan to evacuate

  • Organize travel routes and destinations.

  • Establish sites where family members would meet if they become separated.

  • Be familiar with alternate routes.

  • Carry an emergency supply kit.

  • Bring along pets.

Stay informed

  • Listen to or watch local news for storm updates.

  • Do not return home until local authorities say it is safe.


A BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT:

box Water for drinking and sanitation - one gallon per person, per day, for at least three days

box

A minimum three-day supply of nonperishable food

box

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both

box

Flashlight and extra batteries

box

First-aid kit

box

Whistle to signal for help

box

Dust masks to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off the shelter area

box

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

box

Tools to turn off utilities

box

Can opener to open food containers

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Local maps

Supplementary Emergency Supply Kit Items:

box Prescription medications and eyeglasses

box

Infant formula and diapers

box

Animal food and extra water for pets

box

Important family documents, such as insurance policies, identification and bank accounts, kept in waterproof, portable containers

box

Cash or traveler’s checks, and coins

box

Emergency reference materials, such as a first-aid book

box

Sleeping bags or warm blankets for each person

box

Complete change of clothing

box

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - A solution of nine parts water to one part bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color-safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

box

Fire extinguisher

box

Matches in a waterproof container

box

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

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Mess kit - paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels

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Paper and pencil/pen

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Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children



PREPARE, PLAN, STAY INFORMED Important
Phone Numbers
Assemblyman David G. McDonough:
3000 Hempstead Turnpike
Suite 110 Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 731-8830
e-mail:

American Red Cross
195 Willis Ave. • Mineola 11501
(516) 747-3500

State Emergency Management Office (SEMO)
1220 Washington Ave.
Building 22, Suite 101
Albany 12226-2251

24-Hour Emergency Telephone
(518) 292-2200

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Flood Protection Bureau
(631) 444-0423

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.FEMA.gov

National Flood Insurance Program
Toll-free information hot line

(800) 638-6620

Nassau County Emergency
Management Office

(516) 573-0636

Suffolk County Emergency
Management Office

(631) 852-4900

LIPA
(for customers with life-support dependencies and other power emergencies)

(631) 755-6000


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