To prepare for the possibility of a major hurricane hitting Long Island you should consider the following:
- Seniors are Especially Vulnerable and Must Prepare for the Worst
- Checklist of Items to Have With You When Evacuating
- Prepare a Disaster Supply Kit
- Preparing a Family Evacuation Plan
- What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
Seniors Are More Vulnerable and Must Prepare for the Worst Because…
- Pharmacies will begin closing 24 hours prior to landfall.
- There will be wide-spread loss of power throughout the island for up to two weeks or longer.
- Most dialysis centers do not have generator backup power.
- Many physician offices could be closed as a result of damage or lack of power.
- Medical supply vendors will stop delivering oxygen cylinders prior to threatening weather.
- Ambulance services will stop responding once conditions outside become threatening (45 mph winds).
- Tell PSEG now if someone in your family uses life support equipment – call 1-800-490-0025.
Seniors Should Speak to Your Doctor
Now is the time to speak with your doctor regarding your emergency hurricane plan. Some medical conditions require special provisions. Some examples are:
- Oxygen dependent patients
- Insulin dependent patients
- Bedridden or immobile patients
- Medical dependent patients
- Dialysis patients
Checklist of Items to Have with You
- List of current medications and a two week supply of your medications
- Documentation of specific medical information
- If applicable, Medical equipment such as:
- Oxygen Equipment (nebulizers, concentrators)
- Diabetic Equipment (meters, strips, insulin, syringes)
- Sleeping Equipment (cot, pillow, blanket)
- Canes, wheelchairs, and walkers
- Personal hygiene items – deodorant, toothpaste/brush, soap, towel, etc.
- Extra clothing, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, non-perishable foods for snacks, bottled water
- Car keys and maps
- Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Disaster Supply Kit
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and manual can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, TV, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Keep a non-electronic phone in your home – the phone lines often times remain operational even during power outages
- Develop a family plan for survival and property protection.
- If your home is in a potential flood or storm surge zone, be prepared to evacuate when officials recommend it.
- Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
- Have materials available to protect your doors and windows
Preparing a Family Evacuation Plan
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places-a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged. Listen to local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
- Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
- Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.