A hurricane and storm surge warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for our area. Hurricane Henri is expected to make landfall sometime Sunday morning to early afternoon. The eye of the storm should cross the island at approximately 2PM tomorrow. Sustained winds between 35-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are expected early Sunday morning through Monday morning. However, the National Weather Service warns of potential for wind 74 to 110 mph. Rainfall between four to seven inches is expected, as is the potential for flash flooding. Those residents living in flood prone areas (East Long Beach Road, and Short Beach Road) should plan for storm surges and the potential for impassable areas.
Residents should utilize today, Saturday to make final preparations as conditions deteriorate through the night. Items such as garbage cans, table umbrellas, propane tanks, flower pots, and all outdoor furniture/objects which may become a projectile should be secured. Additionally, be sure to charge all electronic devices, check flashlight batteries and prepare an emergency kit. Residents should refrain from traveling Sunday, unless it is an absolute emergency or necessity.
The Town of Smithtown has begun to make preparations for Hurricane Henri and has compiled important information and contact information for those in need of further assistance.For real time updates on storm related news and alerts, download the Town of Smithtown Mobile App (Available for free on the Google Play & Apple App Store).
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Power Outages - PSEG Information: View PSEG Long Island’s outage map Click Here
To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com
To register, have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454)
Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075
Stranded Vehicles: If there is an emergency, please dial 9-11 immediately. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety by calling (631) 360-7553
Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or leave messages after hours.
Animals & Family Pets: To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals please call (631) 360-7575
Wildlife Rescue: To report injured or orphaned wildlife, contact the STAR Foundation at (631) 736-8207 or Sweetbriar Nature Center at (631) 979-6344
Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: Always check on your neighbors living with disabilities, special needs or senior citizens. Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food and blankets. Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency. If further intervention is required please contact the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642
Emergency Command Center:
Supervisor Wehrheim has approved the activation of the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management Unit (EMU) which will begin all operations at 4pm today. Emergency Management integrates the activities of all Public Safety divisions, local, state and federal agencies and serves as the "hub" of the Emergency Operations Center.
Parks & Beaches:
The Parks Department will close all town beaches today at 4pm, in order to make necessary preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Henri. This process must begin this afternoon in order to safeguard the shoreline from possible storm surges.
Storm Cleanup:
Highway crews will be working in collaboration with Utility teams during and after the storm, prioritizing path clearing for emergency vehicles and removing trees blocking roads. Debris and brush hauling will begin once the storm has cleared the area.
Resident Safety:
Residents should attempt to keep all brush clear from blocking any fire hydrants. Public Safety and Smithtown Fire Marshals advise residents with generators to confirm that the exhaust is facing outwards and at least 20’ away from a building. Generators incorrectly positioned can cause significant fire damage to homes and CO2 poisoning. If a CO detector goes off, residents should immediately evacuate the home and call 9/11 or your local Fire Department.
Power:
PSEG Long Island is currently performing system checks and ensuring extra supplies (poles and transformers) are on hand, as they prepare for potential outages. In addition to its existing crews, PSEG has called in over 1,200 line workers, tree trimmers, surveyors and other local and off-Island utility personnel to respond safely and as quickly as possible throughout the storm. Finally, PSEG Long Island cites recent work to strengthen the electric grid, such as elevating substations above flood level, so it may better withstand extreme weather and allow for faster power restoration.
Pet Safety:
It is a good practice for all pet owners to have a plan for their animals before an emergency is declared. Never leave domestic animals outdoors, or tethered unattended in severe weather. All family pets should be wearing a collar with tags for identification. Make sure your pet's microchip information is up to date. Include food, medicine, kitty litter and first aid supplies for your pets inside your emergency preparedness kit. Do not leave pets behind in an emergency evacuation situation. If you can not bring them with you, make arrangements ahead of time for a family member or neighbor to care for your pets. Have ample supplies to give a caretaker, so as to avoid dangerous travel during a storm. If you have horses, you should make arrangements in advance to have your horse trailered in the event of an emergency evacuation. Have a back-up plan in place if circumstances make it impossible to evacuate your horse when you do. Hang detailed instructions in various locations (barn, office, horse trailer, barn entrances) to ensure emergency workers can help in the event you are unable to evacuate your horse.