Community Corner
In Sayville, Boards and Evacuations but Sense of Calm
Many residents say they'll get out of town for the night.
In his efforts to prepare for Hurricane Irene, Dennis Michel is relying on history. "During Gloria, the winds came from the east," he said. "If this matches, my trees will fall away from my house."
Still Michel isn't taking any chances. His Sayville home is south of Mountauk Highway, where officials have encouraged residents to leave. And he'll heed their warning, staying with a friend for the remainder of the storm.
Gloria "taught me to stay calm," he said. "No matter what happens, you can ultimately fix it all."
It's sage advice that seems to resonate with residents across Sayville. Though many people spent Saturday boarding up their homes and packing their bags to leave, there was little sense of panic.
Across the Town of Islip, trailer parks, hospitals and nursing homes have been evacuated. Some residents set up shop at shelters at Brentwood High School.
Good Samaritan Nursing Home, on Elm Street, began efforts to evacuate on Friday. "Residents and families have all been notified and safe placement has been secured," said Roger Sullivan, the director of community relations and Catholic Health Services of Long Island.
Those who plan to stick around stocked up on essentials. The aisles of CVS and Stop and Shop were bustling, as buyers purchased canned goods and water.
"I have a hysterical mother-in-law and a hysterical wife," one shopper said. "How could I not be getting prepared?'
On Facebook, residents are posting pictures of their hurricane survival kits - everything from water to good mystery novels to beer and wine.
Vinny DeStefano, who also lives south of Montauk Highway, said he'll send his wife and kids to stay with friends.
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However DeStefano will stick around to keep an eye on his home. He'll also reach out to elderly neighbors who have chosen not to leave.
DeStefano said he and his wife have gone back and fourth over whether to tape up their windows. "I'm really not worried," he said. "I've seen a lot of hurricanes come through … I think we'll be alright."
