Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Hurricane Preparedness Week in New York State by issuing a proclamation designating May 26th through June 1st as the period for all New Yorkers to review their preparedness plans for the upcoming 2013 hurricane season.

“It is essential that all New Yorkers assess their preparedness for any potential disaster, ensuring that they are ready to endure and respond to the types of destructive storms we have experienced in recent years,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we continue to recover from Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, now is the time to make sure our citizens have plans and resources in place for their families, homes and businesses.”

“Severe weather associated with hurricanes can also have a disastrous effect on inland areas of the state,” Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said. “There are some simple measures that citizens can take to be prepared, such as having emergencies supplies on hand including flashlights, batteries, water and canned goods. Don’t wait until the storm warnings are posted.”

Traditionally, the Atlantic hurricane/coastal storm season runs from June 1st through November 30th. While predominantly coastal storms, the past these devastating storms have affected areas of the State hundreds of miles from the ocean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has recently predicted an above average hurricane season.

Before the start of the hurricane season New Yorkers are advised to:

• Develop or review a household disaster plan. Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact.” Then make certain all family members have that number. Designate a family emergency meeting point, some familiar location where the family can meet in the event the home is inaccessible.
• Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called. Include children’s schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.
• Know the hurricane / storm risks in their areas, and learn the storm surge history and area’s elevation.
• Learn their community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Learn the location of official shelters.
• Make arrangements on where to relocate pets during a storm because most shelters will not allow pets.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand (approximately 10 days). Make sure battery-operated radios and flashlights are available and have an ample supply of batteries. Have a first aid kit available and make sure there is an ample supply of medicines on hand for those who require it.
• Store important documents – insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. – in a waterproof container. Also have cash, checkbook, credit and ATM cards readily available.
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Know how to turn off the power, heat and water at home.
• Repair loose and clear clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
• Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become projectiles in high winds. Also keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Review insurance policies to determine extent of coverage before a storm strikes.
• Determine where to move boats in an emergency.
• Be aware of local weather conditions by listening to National Weather Service broadcasts on NOAA Weather Radio and reports from local television and radio stations.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the DHSES website.

(YWN Desk – NYC)