The American Red Cross on Long Island joined officials from Nassau County, Suffolk County, National Grid and PSEG Long Island on the first day of hurricane season to discuss hurricane readiness on Long Island and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.

The 2018 hurricane season comes off the heels of a record-breaking 2017 that saw the American Red Cross mobilize historic relief efforts following multiple hurricanes (including Maria, Harvey, Nate and Irma). This year’s hurricane season is predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to be “near- or above-normal.” This means, according to the agency, the likelihood of 10 to 16 named storms, including five to nine hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through the end of November.

Locally, with the devastating legacy of Sandy still fresh in people’s minds, Long Islanders know all too well the impact of these storms. They can bring heavy rains that cause major flooding; destructive winds that down power lines, uproot trees and damage homes; and storm surges that travel several miles inland destroying everything in its path.

The Red Cross urges everyone to get better prepared for this hurricane season:

• Create an emergency preparedness kit with food and water and other basic supplies for each family member to last at least three days. Remember to include essential medications, copies of important documents and special items for children and pets.
• Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Coordinate with your child’s school, your work and community’s emergency plans.
• Be informed about what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work, play and pray, and how to respond as safely as possible. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information.

The Red Cross also reminds people to download their free mobile preparedness resource, their Emergency App, a one-download tool that puts vital safety and preparedness information at your fingertips. To download the app, search “Red Cross” in your app store.

Additionally, the Red Cross wants more volunteers trained and ready to respond to a storm here on Long Island or, if the need arises, large disasters outside our region.

To register as a volunteer, to learn more about how to prepare, and to donate visit www.redcross.org.