As Hurricane Earl Approaches, The Center Moriches Fire Department Urges You To Be Prepared !

Hurricane Earl may possibly affect those of us living on the Atlantic Seaboard this week. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Earl was most likely to come ashore in North Carolina as it swerves north. But the margin of error in predicting its path is 200 to 300 miles. While the current forecast tracks the hurricane east of Long Island, variables like other weather systems could bring it ashore here.

Look over our reminders and prepare your family in advance. If you were not already prepared, there is still time to begin hurricane preparations for this week's imminent storm.

Before The Storm

• Prepare your evacuation plan, including pets, transportation routes and destinations.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed; clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Stay informed! Listen to a NOAA weather radio or check local forecasts and news reports regularly.
• If needed cover your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Bring in all outside furniture, decorations, garbage cans, etc.
• Fill up BBQ propane tanks for cooking if power goes out.
• Keep your gas tank in your car at least 3/4 full at all times.
• Keep your emergency supplies kit, including water, and copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable container, in an easily accessible location.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

What Supplies are needed:

• Fresh Water (one gallon, per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• 7-day supply of medications
• a multi-purpose tool
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of important personal documents
• Cash (Remember ATMs and credit cards will not work if power is out)

After the Storm - Ensure your safety

Your first concern after a disaster is your family's health and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.

Aiding the Injured:

Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back.

Immediately call 911 for help.

• Maintain body temperature with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated.
• Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.

Your Health:

• Be aware of exhaustion. Don't try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough rest.
• Drink plenty of clean water.. Eat well.. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working in debris.

Safety Issues Around You:

• Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring, and slippery floors.

• Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.

The Center Moriches Fire Department encourages you to prepare now; make an emergency kit for your home in the event of a hurricane or any emergency. You can find an example of what should be in your emergency kit by going to FEMA http://www.ready.gov for additional information.

We also encourage all residents to sign up with the Suffolk County CODE RED emergency notification program. This system will call your house, cell phone or text message you with important information from Suffolk County Emergency Officials. For more information on CODE RED and to sign up click on the link below.

For additional up to date information click links below:

Track Hurricane Earl with Realtime Maps & Radar:
http://www.centermorichesfd.com/content/weather/Earl.cfm

National Hurricane Center:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Suffolk County Fire Rescue & Emergency Services - CODE RED program:
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/Home/departments/firerescue/Office%20of%20Emergency%20Management/CodeRED.aspx

FEMA:
http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm

NOAA Weather Radio:
http://www.wunderground.com/wxradio/smallplayer.html?stationid=wxmannyc|570|24