The exact track and intensity of Hurricane (or Tropical Storm) Jose are still uncertain. The National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies have several alternative models that they update continuously. The most current predictions place the most intense part of the storm on the east end of Long Island. Cedarhurst is predicted to experience 1 – 3 inches of rain and possible street flooding in the low-lying areas of the Village due to the higher than normal tide and storm surge at about 8:30 pm.
Long Island’s electric grid is especially vulnerable to outages causes by falling branches and high winds. We have been in contact with PSEG about preparations to confirm that they will have personnel on hand to deal with any weather-related outages. PSEG advised us that contractors, including tree crews, will be available to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce if necessary.
We offer the following suggestions to help residents deal with the storm.
- IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY CALL 911. DO NOT CALL THE LOCAL POLICE PRECINCT DIRECTLY. THIS ONLY SLOWS DOWN THE RESPONSE TIME.
- FOR FIRE EMERGENCIES, CALL THE LAWRENCE-CEDARHURST FIRE DEPARTMENT AT 569-4411.
BEFORE A STORM
- Have a plan, known to everyone in your home, about what to do and how to communicate if evacuation becomes necessary. If you have elderly neighbors, let them know you will be home and check in on them periodically.
- Prepare batteries, a battery powered radio, flashlights, candles and bottled water (or fill the bathtub) so that you have basic necessities in case of a power outage. Water stored in your bathtub should be used for flushing and washing, but NOT for drinking unless you boil it first.
- Charge all your cell phones and keep them charged.
- If you have a generator, check to see if it’s working and has fuel. Use only approved containers to store gasoline, and make sure that they are stored safely. Keeping fuel indoors is dangerous because gasoline vapor can accumulate and ignite or explode. NEVER operate a generator indoors. The exhaust fumes are deadly.
- If a storm alert is published and you are in an area prone to flooding, move your cars to the parking lot behind Village Hall and leave a note in the window of the car identifying yourself as the owner and how we can contact you. The parking lot behind Village Hall is at the highest elevation in the Village and is the best place to try and avoid water damage to your car.
- Fill your car’s gas tank to avoid the morning-after crush at the gas station.
- Remove all outdoor furniture, trampolines, BBQ’s, garbage cans, flags, flowerpots and other items that can become airborne in a wind storm or hurricane. Flying objects are extremely dangerous to your home and to others.
DURING A STORM
- Avoid going outside in a storm. Staying inside is the safest option.
- Never touch or walk near downed electric wires. Call 911. If wires fall on your car while you are inside, do not touch any part of the car. Remain calm, stay in the car and call 911.
- Listen to news or radio for emergency updates.
- If you can hear thunder, go indoors and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last
- Avoid using line powered electrical equipment. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.
- Keep away from windows.
- Do not take a bath or shower, and avoid flushing toilets if you can. Defer dishwashing until the storm has passed.
- If you are driving in a heavy downpour, safely pull over and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information is available on Nassau County’s website. Follow this link.
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1620/Emergency-Management