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There is an increasing chance that a strong coastal storm will track close to Westchester and the tri-state area early next week, according to the National Weather Service. Its impact could be felt as early as Sunday and last through at least Tuesday.
Make sure you have the following supplies:
• Obtain a portable battery operated or hand-cranked radio along with a fresh supply of batteries plus several flashlights with fresh batteries. Use of candles for lighting is not recommended for safety reasons. Have enough extra batteries to last for several days. There may be no electricity after the storm.
• Have a full tank of gasoline in your automobile. Never let your vehicle gas tank be less than half full during a hurricane or tropical storm threat. Electrically operated gas pumps may fail during the storm.
• Obtain canned goods and nonperishable foods as well as packaged foods that can be prepared without cooking and need no refrigeration, because there may be no electricity or gas after the storm. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. Refill needed prescription medications.
• Obtain containers for drinking water. Have clean, airtight containers to store a sufficient water supply for several days. The city water supply will possibly be interrupted or contaminated. Fill your bathtub and other spare containers with water.
• Obtain materials for protecting glass openings. Have shutters or lumber for protecting large windows and doors. Use masking tape on small windows. Putting tape on glass windows or doors will not prevent flying debris from breaking the glass but will minimize the spreading and shattering of glass if the window breaks.
• Have materials for emergency repairs. Your insurance policy may cover the cost of materials used in temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. These will also be helpful for any income tax deductions.
• Moor your boat securely or move it to safe shelter. Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Bring pets indoors.
• Protect your major appliances and any electronically sensitive equipment, such as computers.
• During the storm, stay away from windows and doors and beware the eye of the storm. Stay in a small interior room until it has passed.
• When the storm has left the area, do not drive unless necessary, because the streets are likely to be filled with debris, downed trees, and power lines. Assume that all downed wires are live and report them to ConEdison as soon as possible. Report all broken or damaged water, sewer, gas and electrical lines.
• Do not drive into areas where water covers the roadway and never let children play in storm water.
• Check out the storm center outage map on the ConEdison website for updates throughout the storm. To report an electrical outage, go to this online outage report form.
For additional help or assistance on hurricane preparedness see the FEMA website. Information will be posted on the Mount Vernon city website. Register for email and text message notifications at www.nixle.com.
Check back with The Mount Vernon Daily Voice for more storm updates and send your “Frankenstorm” photos to gmaker@dailyvoice.com
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