As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches its peak, authorities are warning Long Island residents to prepare for power outages and possible evacuations – and not to forget their pets.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine stressed the risks of an overly active hurricane season predicted by the National Weather Service, which expects 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major storms in the Atlantic basin through November 30.
“Knowing the history of Long Island and the history of hurricane season, we know it’s coming. I pray it doesn’t happen this year or anytime soon,” Romaine said, noting that Superstorm Sandy was nearly 12 years ago. “The best way to prepare for it is to prepare for it.”
County officials, accompanied by about a dozen service dogs at the county’s H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, said residents should be prepared to flee if a severe storm approaches. Residents should have emergency bags with medicine, a flashlight and nonperishable food in case of a power outage or evacuation, said Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), chairman of the county’s Fire, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Committee.
A Paws of War service dog participates in a hurricane emergency preparedness event at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on Thursday. Photo credit: Morgan Campbell
Officials in Nassau and Suffolk counties have warned of the need for preparation as hurricane season begins in June. Two tropical storms and three hurricanes have already formed off the Caribbean. The storms have so far avoided Long Island, including Hurricane Ernesto, which has moved north into open waters in the Mid-Atlantic.
Pet owners are also encouraged to stock up on supplies for their animals, including at least five days’ worth of food in waterproof containers, a pet first aid kit and medications for their animals, says Gabi Lugo, a trainer at America’s VetDogs, a charity that places service dogs with veterans and military personnel.
Pet owners are also encouraged to create an evacuation plan for their animals. Community colleges in Brentwood, Selden and Riverhead in Suffolk County will accept any animals if they are activated as evacuation centers, Thorne said.
Rob Misseri, head of the dog and cat rescue group Paws of War, said residents should learn from past storms to ensure no animals are left behind.
“I was a rescuer during Sandy and I can’t describe what we experienced trying to save animals. We saw a horrifying number of animals lose their lives because of it,” Misseri said. “The most important thing is to be prepared today. Don’t wait. Get everything ready because when the storm comes, you won’t have time.”
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday in 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
