While Hurricane Gustav is now downgraded, the eyes of the country and the county have turned to other storms, including one that could come up the east coast.
County Executive Andy Spano urged Westchester residents to be prepared by watching our video (07:37 min.) about hurricanes and tropical storms.
“It is always important to be prepared for the worst," said Spano. "The County Department of Emergency Services is monitoring the latest storms, but at the same time individuals should make sure they have supplies and a go bag."
In addition, he encouraged residents to make a donation to the Westchester Chapter of the American Red Cross or through other agencies to help those impacted on the Gulf Coast by Gustav.
The county has purchased new equipment and supplies, including barricades and electronic traffic signs to handle traffic control; electric pumps to clean out flooded homes; and cots that could be used in shelters in the event of a large-scale emergency. The supplies, bought with grants and county funds, are designed to supplement municipalities and non-profit organizations that may need these supplies quickly in the event of a severe storm.
To be kept informed of impending severe weather, sign up for emergency alerts.
What the public should do to prepare There are things that the public should do now to prepare for an emergency and to keep safe. That's why the county’s Department of Emergency Services is continuing Ready Westchester, a public education campaign that focuses on what residents need to do to be prepared for a hurricane or other emergencies.
“You never know when an emergency will occur and you will need to leave at a moment’s notice,” said Anthony W. Sutton, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services. “That is why we have begun this campaign, and are urging residents now to take the time to plan ahead and prepare their go bags and household emergency kits.”
The county has been distributing go bags, or backpacks to residents containing items needed if evacuation becomes necessary. Paid for with a federal grant, these are being distributed at a variety of public events.
The county has also been giving out Ready Westchester brochures in English and Spanish that explain what residents should pack in their go bags, and in their larger, household emergency kits, that they may need to survive at home for several days without electricity. Bus ads are running as well.
In addition to storing supplies, every family should also develop a disaster plan that outlines what parents and children need to do in an emergency. The plan should include emergency contacts and the names of friends or family.
In the event of an evacuation, residents must listen to and follow instructions from local officials before leaving their homes. If a hurricane is forecast, the county will establish ongoing communications with local officials. Together, they will determine what protective actions residents should take.
“If you're not told to leave your home and you leave anyway, you will only add to the traffic on our roadways and delay evacuation of those that need to leave,” said Sutton. “It's critical that everyone listen to instructions from officials. It's our mission to be sure that all residents in the county can be safe during a storm.”
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