For the Atlantic, Hurricane
Season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Historically, the greatest potentialfor hurricanes in New York occurs from August through October, however it is
important to remain prepared at all times. Taking the time to have a plan andan emergency kit before a storm is on the horizon can save time, money, and
lives. As Hurricane Dorian makes landfall down south, the Town of Smithtownwould like to remind all our citizens to always be vigilant and be prepared
ahead of time.
Know Where to Go: Local Disaster Centers
In the event of an emergency, the following locations in the Townof Smithtown area act as emergency shelters for the general public:
- Smithtown Senior Center
- Smithtown Animal Shelter
- Hauppauge High School
- Kings Park High School
- Commack High School
- Smithtown High School East
- Smithtown High School West
- Accompsett Middle School
- Great Hollow Middle School
- William T. Rogers Middle School
- Nesaquake Middle School
- Commack Middle School
- Hauppauge Middle School
- Pines Elementary
- Bretton Woods Elementary
- Forest Brook Elementary
Pack a Go Bag: Emergency Preparedness Kit Items
Putting together an Emergency Preparedness Kit prior to any
disaster is one of the best ways to be ready for any emergency. Mostrecommended items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could
save a life. It’s a good practice to have an Emergency Preparedness Kit storedin locations where you spend most of your time. Pack a kit for the home, at
work, and in your car, so you’re ready at any time.
Your Emergency Preparedness Kit should include:
- 1 gallon of water a day per person
- Ample supply of non-perishable food items including:
- Canned goods
- Nuts
- Peanut Butter
- Crackers
- Granola/Energy Bars
- Rice
- Pasta
- Tool kit including:
- Hammer and nails
- Screwdriver and screws
- Pliers
- Flashlights and extra batteries for each person
- First Aid Kit including:
- Band-Aids and bandages
- Medications
- Hand sanitizer
- Sanitation Products including:
- Toilet Paper
- Moist towelettes
- Paper towels
- Plastic garbage bags in different sizes
- Extra clothing essentials
- Rain gear
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Solar powered cellphone charger or extra battery for power outage
- Local maps
- Duct tape
- Can opener
- Cash and a roll of quarters
- Matches
- Bug repellent
- Aluminum foil
- Rope
- Pet food, collar, leash, carrier
- Baby diapers, wipes, rash ointment
Smithtown Fire Department’s Second Assistant Chief, TimothyDuckham, recommends to have a minimum of a three day supply handy.
“Always be prepared for potential severe weather by having 3 days
worth of supplies and medications ready. In the event a storm occurs,follow local emergency agency instructions and keep informed via the Internet
and local news outlets.” - Timothy J. Duckham, Smithtown FD Second AssistantChief
Tips for an Emergency Family Plan
Spend time with your family to create an Emergency Contact plan.
Details should entail loved one’s phone numbers and a location where the wholefamily should meet up in the event you lose touch with one another. A paper
copy of family phone numbers and emergency contacts will come in handy if cellphone service is not available. Keep a local Map with this list of contacts as
a backup should GPS systems fail.
You can Microchip your pet(s) for $25 at the Smithtown AnimalShelter by calling to make an appointment. This is a painless process that will
help reunite you with your four-legged family members in the event of aseparation. If they have already been microchipped, make sure the information
is kept updated on the chip. If Animal Control finds your lost pet, they canquickly contact you with the good news.
For senior citizens, create a support network of family, friends,
and others who can assist you during an emergency, and share your disasterplans with them. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or
hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-upservice providers.
Make copies of important
documents like birth certificates, insurance policies, and any other documentsyou might need in the immediate aftermath of a storm. FEMA and Insurance Claims
require specific information about your property. Keeping copies in a securesecondary location can help avoid delays when you are need of timely funds for
damages.
Customize your emergency plans to suit the needs of your lovedones, and remember to update it each year. A good plan should cover three major
objectives.
- Activation: early on before the storm arrives, “Activate” the plan with your family.
- Evacuation: remind your loved ones where to take shelter if you must “Evacuate”
- Communication: Have a system of communications set up that will allow you to “Communicate” with your family in the event of a power outage.