September Is National Preparedness Month

During an emergency, the Orient Association eblast will act as a source of emergency information for Orient residents. Please sign up to receive Orient Association emails by going to the website at orientassociation.org and pressing the subscribe to OA news icon in the upper right-hand corner. The website also contains an “Emergency Management” tab for additional information on preparedness and response.

Emergency situations can arise unexpectedly, but being prepared can make all the difference to you and your family.

In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, the Orient Association is encouraging residents to prioritize their emergency preparedness strategies. Planning ahead is the key to safety. By thinking through the challenges and taking steps to prepare now, it will help you feel more in control when you’re faced with an emergency situation.

Every household’s needs are unique, but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Consider your risk – how susceptible is your home to wind and flood damage?
• Develop a disaster and family plan – if staying at home became unsafe, where would you go and how would you get there?
• Gather supplies – ensure you have flashlights, batteries and at least a three-seven days supply of water and non-perishable food for your household. Don’t forget pets.
• Insurance check-up – confirm what is – and what is not – covered.

For additional guidance on storm and disaster preparedness, visit BeReadyLI.org, in collaboration with United Way of Long Island and 2-1-1 Long Island. You’ll also find links to important local resources.

CONSIDER YOUR RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Orient Fire Department is composed of residents who are highly trained emergency volunteers, and it has resources, but they are limited. The number one cause of death during a hurricane is storm surge. The temptation to “tough it out” in your home can put lives at risk, yours and the personnel who may be sent on an otherwise avoidable rescue mission.

If you live in an identified flood zone or SLOSH (Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) area and know that your house has been inundated by water in past storms, then do not stay in your house during a severe storm or hurricane.

Do not ride out a storm on a boat.

For the medically or elderly fragile, families with small children and anyone who cannot sustain being in an environment with lengthy power outages, plan to leave ahead of time. Travel to a relative or friend located out of the storm impact area. Staying in a hotel is also an option.

If you have a second home that is not going to be affected by the storm path, then go to that home.

If an evacuation is ordered by Southold Township, follow the instructions to evacuate and do so promptly.

DISASTER PLANNING

Disasters whether they are natural or manmade can be dangerous. They include forces that can generate high winds, torrential rain, tornadoes and flooding all of which can cause death, injury and costly property damage. Prepare now, learn what to do before a disaster strikes, how to stay safe during the event, and where to find help when you need it.

• Create a disaster plan for you and your family.
• Keep your friends and family informed of your whereabouts and condition during a disaster.
• Know the hurricane risks in your area – learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn about local sheltering plans, including the location of official shelters and how to get to the shelters.
• Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
• Have an emergency supply kit ready for use and keep its contents updated regularly. Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Review your insurance policy.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
• Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence.
• Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact the Town’s Emergency Management Office.

FAMILY PLAN

Take the time now to write down your family disaster plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Write down on paper a list of emergency contacts, and make sure to include utilities and other critical services — remember, the internet may not be accessible during or after a storm.

FEMA: Make a Plan
FEMA Mobile App & text for Shelter

• Know where your close family members are
• Have a family communication plan
• Know how to receive emergency alerts
• Determine the local evacuation routes
• Know where the local shelters are located
• Have a meeting place at home or at a shelter
• Where is your emergency supplies kit located?
• Have a plan for the family pets
• Have a plan to secure your home

EMERGENCY KIT

Electricity and water could be out for weeks.

FEMA: Build a Kit
Ready.gov: Prepare Your Pets for Disasters

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three to seven days
• At least a three to seven day supply of nonperishable canned and dehydrated food
• Special items and food for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
• Food and items for pets
• Non electric can opener
• Cooking utensils
• Paper plates and plastic utensils
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio or
• Portable radio with extra batteries. The radio, including NOAA Weather Radio, will be the best source of information,
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit well stocked
• Take a basic first-aid and CPR courses. Keep your skills current
• Seven days supply of medications and medical items
• Whistle to signal for help
• Extra blankets and clothing may be required to keep warm. Sturdy shoes protect feet from broken glass and debris.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Alternate cooking source.
• Fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires. Teach family members how to use it
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger.
• Waterproof container to store important documents such as insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, checkbook, cash ATM cards, credit cards, etc.
• Extra cash since ATMs will most likely be down
• Fill car with gas if storm is pending

The Town’s shelters do not provide food or any sort of emergency provisions.

INSURANCE CHECK-UP

Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Take the time before hurricane season begins to document your possessions: photos, serial numbers, or anything else that you may need to provide your insurance company when filing a claim.

• Find flood insurance at floodsmart.gov

Strengthen Your Home

Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane and severe storm impacts. Trim trees. Install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal outside wall openings. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand hurricane-force winds. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. If you’re a renter, work with your landlord now to prepare for a storm.

And remember – now is the time to purchase the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to have on hand if you need to board up the windows and doors ahead of an approaching storm.

FEMA: Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Help and communications may not be readily available after a storm

After a hurricane or major storm, emergency responders may be overwhelmed. Communication systems may be impacted, and making phone or video calls might be difficult due to network congestion. If possible, communicate via text, email, or social media. Do not call 911 to report a power outage, ask for traffic updates, or to get general information.