Is Irene coming to town?

Forecast is a good reminder to review emergency preparedness plans First an earthquake on Tuesday, and now the potential for a hurricane - or a storm with significant rainfall - this weekend. With uncommon events like these, emergency officials are minding the public that it’s a good time to be prepared. While the forecast for Hurricane Irene remains fluid, Orange County Commissioner of Emergency Services Walter Koury said the best way for residents to prepare for a potentially significant weather event is to review their own personal or business preparedness plans. “My recommendation is that everyone review their own emergency plans,” Koury said. “Whether we get this storm as a hurricane or as a big rain event, it’s a good idea to revisit what you have in place.” Like others, county officials regularly monitor forecasts. On Wednesday afternoon, Koury participated in what may be the first of ongoing teleconferences by the National Weather Service in Upton, based on Long Island, so that all counties which could possibly be affected by Irene have the latest advisories. “Dealing with storms of this type, their tracks are often difficult to predict,” said Koury. “We rely on them (the National Weather Service) to give us the most accurate information and then we can relay that to the public.” Koury also reminded residents they can also access the latest information on hurricane preparedness via FEMA’s Web site; the New York State Emergency Management Services Office; Orange County’s own Web site and various weather Web sites. Koury also said monitoring television, radio and Internet weather reports remains an excellent way of getting the most accurate and current weather conditions. “In some areas of the county, with a few more inches of rain, combined with 40-50 mile an hour winds, could cause power lines to fall,” he added. “Stay on top of information.” - Nancy Kriz A checklist of the things you can do to prepare for the storm appears below. Checklist Monroe — At the risk of sounding like the boys who cried wolf, we offer the following checklists and contact information in anticipation of bad weather this weekend. Much of the information involves common sense. But it may also serve as a reminder of the power of Mother Nature, whether a storm strikes this weekend, next month or this winter. Stay safe. What to do before a storm Here are several suggests from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (for the complete list visit Fema.gov): Learn locations of official shelters. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered equipment such as cell phones. Buy food that will keep and store drinking water. Don’t forget medications. Trim trees and shrubbery so branches don’t fly into your home. Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Fuel and service family vehicles. Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture. What to do after the storm Listen to local weather reports. Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around. Stay on firm, dry ground. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines. Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads. From the Orange County Office of Emergency Management Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry. Develop an emergency plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. Know what to do and when to do it. Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing, and other personal property. If possible, take photos of your items. Keep the list in a safe place. Plan what to do with your pets. Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small kit of disaster supplies in the trunk of your car. Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded. Have emergency waterproofing supplies on hand, including sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber. Important Web sites These Web sites will provide tips and reminders for hurricane/storm preparedness as well as the most current weather forecasts: National Weather Service: www.nhc.noaa.gov The Weather Channel: www.weather.com Orange County Office of Emergency Management: www.ocoem.com Federal Emergency Management Agency: Fema.gov New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: www.dhses.ny.gov Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local maps Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit: Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Cash or traveler’s checks and change Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov. Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to 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. Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children Source: www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html