In Preparation For Hurricane Season
I was recently reviewing a publication by the American Red Cross on the subject of hurricane activity. It was interesting to note that many Long Islanders don’t believe our area is in danger of being hit by a major hurricane. Although there have been other hurricanes as recent as 1991 that have struck Long Island, two stand out as pivotal storms that affected many Long Island communities. The devastation from the 1938 hurricane — dubbed the “Long Island Express” was enormous. The storm reshaped the shoreline of Long Island and created great economic and human loss. In 1985 Hurricane Gloria hit one September day and nearly leveled portions of central and eastern Long Island. The Island’s east end is on the list of the top 10 most vulnerable mainland United States areas prone to hurricanes.
While the Incorporated Village of Garden City subscribes to an emergency weather service and carefully monitors regional storm activity, in preparation for implementing its storm emergency plan, there is a lot that residents can and should do to make preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. In this and succeeding columns I will share information so that you can be prepared in the event that a major storm hits Long Island. The following are just a few important ways we can all prepare for a hurricane:
Stock up – What you have on hand before a hurricane hits can make a big difference as to how well your family handles it. Create your own disaster preparedness kits – one for home and one to take with you as a “Go Bag” in case you need to evacuate – with enough supplies for everyone in your household.
Water – at least one gallon per person per day
Food – Non- perishable items you’d want to eat – such as canned food (and a manual can opener), energy bars, peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
First Aid Kit – Pack a “how to” guide as well.
Medications – Essential prescription and non-prescription items and medical information.
Crank radio and flashlight, or battery-powered radio and flashlight (with extra batteries), and a 12-hour glow stick.
Clothing – A change of clothes, rain wear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
Personal items – Remember specific items such as eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution, personal care and hygiene items, extra (charged) cell phone batteries and comfort items such as toys or books.
Money – Have cash. ATM’s and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container – Copies of:drivers’ licenses, wills, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, proof of residence (deed or lease), recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security cards, passport numbers, home inventory list.
Special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (You should probably use a professional to restore these services as they may have been affected by the hurricane.)
Parking Field #12 – East Side of Franklin Avenue Between 12th and 14th Streets
Work in Phase #3 was completed last week and Phase #3 has been reopened to the public. Phase #4 (the southern most portion of the lot including Twelfth Street and the east driveway) was closed on Monday, Aug. 22. Work in Phase #4 is expected to last approximately three weeks (weather permitting). Please do not park within the construction zone and exercise caution when driving or walking near areas of construction. Please take notice of any temporary parking restrictions posted by the Police Department as they will be strictly enforced. Additional parking can be found in Parking Field #11 (west side of Franklin Avenue) and in Parking Field #9E (south of Eleventh Street). We appreciate your continued cooperation and patience during this much needed infrastructure improvement and look forward to completing this work soon. If you have any questions, please contact the Garden City Public Works Department at (516) 465-4004 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Curb, Sidewalk and Road Improvements – 2011
Paving work has been completed on Plaza Road, Bedell Avenue, Spruce and Prescott Streets with striping work to follow soon on all blocks. Work on Main Avenue is currently underway and will be completed soon. Due to budget constraints, work on Fifteenth Street has been postponed until next year. During construction, residents should expect detours and some road closures. Concrete work continues on Boylston and Tremont Streets. Please be careful when driving or walking near any roadway that is under construction, taking everyone’s safety into consideration. We thank everyone for the patience and cooperation during these infrastructure improvements.
Board of Trustees’ Meeting Schedule
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a first-hand perspective.
Village’s Website
I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village’s website for information regarding the Village’s operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. For your convenience, listed on the village’s home page under the heading of the Building Department is a link to information regarding new buildings, renovations, alterations, to residences and commercial properties.
