Emergency Preparedness - An Important Message

Emergency Preparedness - An Important Message

An Important Message

We must all be prepared, mentally and physically, to survive a disaster. Southampton Town is constantly improving its own readiness through planning and hands-on exercises, both internally and in coordination with such agencies as the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, the New York State Emergency Management Office, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Defense. Our efforts to be prepared depend greatly on the public preparing well-in-advance to survive for five to seven days, possibly with little outside assistance.

Since 1900, there have been 11 major Atlantic hurricanes, six of which have crossed Long Island. With last year's commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the 1938 hurricane, we were reminded of how fortunate Southampton has been in avoiding a reoccurrence. However, it was also an opportunity to see how vulnerable our area can be in the event of major storm. Recognizing that preparedness is our best defense, the Town of Southampton is releasing the latest edition of its official Hurricane Survival Guide.

Fully updated for 2009, and tailored specifically for Southampton residents, the guide is an in-depth tutorial providing essential information from emergency officials on the local, county, state, and national levels. Included inside are important telephone numbers, advice on caring for the elderly and those with special needs, ensuring your pet's safety, securing watercraft, protecting your home or business, relocating outside of flood prone areas, and assembling a "go-bag" and home emergency kit.

Once again, I encourage you to use the resources the Town has developed to assist you in keeping you and your family safe. With improved technology and better weather tracking systems, we now have the opportunity for advance notification of impending hurricanes and the opportunity to warn of approaching danger. Please pay attention to these warnings. Don't assume it can't happen here. Be prepared for what forecasters have called an "eventuality" for Long Island. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Southampton Town Office of Emergency Management at (631) 728-1088.