Politics & Government

Hurricane Earl Gaining Momentum

County, town, local officials make early storm preparations and provide local information to Bayport and Blue Point residents.

The second major storm of the Atlantic Hurricane season may be headed toward Long Island, and town and county emergency management offices are in the process of making preparations to ensure the safety of residents living along the South Shore, including Bayport and Blue Point.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Earl is currently swirling in the Caribbean and expected to become a major storm in the next 24 hours. Monday's forecasts are predicting that Earl could make an appearance east of or near Long Island on Friday. For Tuesday and Wednesday, Hurricane Earl is forecast to peak as a Category 4 storm with a sustained wind of at least 145 mph.

In preparation for Hurricane Earl, FRES has implemented a "120-hour plan," said FRES Commissioner Joseph Williams. This plan includes conference calls with the National Weather Service, New York State Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Williams encourages residents who experience flooding in their basements during normal rain to stay with relatives or friends who do not live in a flood zone. "We expect that most people will 'shelter in place' (stay home)," Williams said, and added that residents should have 72 hours worth of canned food and other such items. 

As a majority of homes in Bayport and Blue Point are in close proximity to the Great South Bay, it may be useful for residents to check the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) storm surge map

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the website, these maps depict the predicted hurricane surge inundation values generated in Suffolk County for a Northwest moving hurricane at high tide for storms with intensities of Category 1 through Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Storm surge maps are one tool that is utilized by FRES to assist with hurricane preparedness and planning efforts and identify communities/ individuals that are at risk from a potential storm and who may be asked to evacuate should conditions warrant.

Williams said that not all of the county's 127 shelters will be available, and shelters will open according to need. "South Shore shelters usually open first since that area usually gets hit the hardest." Information on shelters is available on the Suffolk County FRES website.

Suffolk County also provides assistance to those with special needs as part of their Joint Emergency Evacuation Program (JEEP). However, one must sign up for JEEP, which can be done by calling the county's Office of Emergency Management (SCOEM) at 852-4900. For those with special needs who are not yet part of the program, information and assistance can be obtained in an emergency by calling 852-COPS or the SCOEM.

"There are 500 people signed up right now," Williams said, "We will start checking with those people on Wednesday." Williams urged residents who are looking for help to avoid calling 911, unless it is an absolute emergency, so as to not tie up the 911 lines.

Islip Town is also taking a proactive approach to the hurricane. "We have been monitoring Hurricane Earl since it became a Tropical storm," said Rick Gimbl, Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Islip.

"We are reaching out to our Emergency Fire and EMS agencies on Fire Island to have them start planning for an evacuation if the need arises. The Supervisor and myself met with all Commissioners in the Town government to discuss our plans for the upcoming storm. We are in contact with Suffolk County Emergency Management and are working together on a worst-case scenario for the planning process."

He added that the town's Emergency Operations Center is constantly monitoring the hurricanes, tropical storms and local weather.

Hospitals throughout Long Island have also been preparing for Hurricane Earl, such as Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip. "(The hospital) is aware of the early predictions related to Hurricane Earl and hospital leadership has begun to take precautionary measures to address potential issues that may arise from the hurricane," stated Charles Bové, executive vice president and chief administrative officer.


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