As you all know the Irene Hurricane/Tropical Storm has already started delivering strong rains to the area.

There is no reason to panic, and we are here to reassure you that we will do everything in our power to keep our residents as safe as possible.

Members of Achiezer, Hatzalah, and local elected officials from both Queens and Nassau County, have just been advised by the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) that there are already numerous road closures throughout the area.

They have strongly advised that anyone who has not yet evacuated should no longer be driving on the roads. Many of the roads are already flooding, and have been sealed off.

The best advice that we can pass on from the information WE ARE BEING GIVEN, is to now shelter in place.

If you are remaining at your homes, please stay out of basements, prepare battery operated flashlights and radios, yarzheit candles, and tape or cover any large windows or doors if possible.

We have been doing our best over the last 36 hours to evacuate all of the elderly, handicapped, or patients dependent on electronic medical equipment.
LIPA has informed us that there is a more than 80% chance that there will be a total power outage in the Far Rockaway/Lawrence area. (Area’s closest to the water) That will include electric, phones, utilities, etc.

We are again asking, if you know ANYONE that is dependent on Oxygen or other electronic devices that have not been evacuated, to please advise us immediately. There will be a potential period of time that Hatzalah, Police, and other emergency services will have great difficulty responding, and we want to do everything in our power to avoid unnecessary emergencies.

Our hotline will be open all night, and we will do our very best to answer ever call, deal with any issue, and do whatever we can to help any residents who may require assistance.

The main hotline number is 516-791-4444.

If there is anyone that has any sort of MEDICAL emergency, or even thinks that there may be a possible emergency, do not hesitate  and immediately call Hatzalah at, 718-387-1750, or 718-230-1000, and they will do their best to respond as quickly as possible.

Again we stress that much of these preparations and evacuations are precautionary, and we continue to hope that the storm which has weakened a bit, will not end up being nearly as damaging as was originally forecasted several days ago.

Thank you.

Rabbi Boruch B. Bender
President of Achiezer

Mark Gross
Chevra Hatzalah

Marty Oliner
Mayor of Lawrence

Howard Kopel
Nassau County Legislator

(YWN Desk – NYC)