With the full impact of Hurricane Irene in Westchester County still mere speculation, many are preparing for worst-case scenarios in advance of the storm’s arrival as early as Saturday night according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The American Red Cross is getting ready for the big storm by sending trailers—which contain the supplies needed to open a Red Cross shelter—to the areas most likely to be affected by potential flooding such as Mamaroneck. A Red Cross trailer will be stationed at , where an evacuation center has been set up at the Post Road Gym. The Red Cross will be working with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to mitigate a response to the potential weather emergency.
According to Red Cross Spokesperson Carolyn Sherwin, the Red Cross has more than 70 volunteers on standby and ready for the storm’s impending arrival.
“We’re very lucky—we’ve learned from Hurricane Floyd and the Nor’easter,” she said, referring to previous storms to hit the area.
The Red Cross has a checklist for what to do in preparation for a hurricane:
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
- Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
- Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
- Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov
The Red Cross advises the following items be set aside in advance of a potential hurricane:
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day.
- Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
- Flashlight.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane).
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
- Cell phone with chargers.
- Extra cash.
- Map(s) of the area.
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers).
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl).
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Camera for photos of damage.
- Multi-purpose tool.
- Emergency blanket.
- Tools/supplies for securing your home.
- Extra set of car keys and house keys.
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes.
- Rain gear.
To find the closest Red Cross shelter, visit the website here or here for the iPhone app.
“We’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” said Sherwin.
