MINEOLA, N.Y., Dec. 18, 2009 – Depending upon the track a coastal storm takes, Long Island may be hit by a blizzard Saturday. Regardless of whether the area is blanketed by a foot or even mere inches, the American Red Cross in Nassau County isn't taking any chances.
Extra volunteers have been placed on standby. Shelter facility managers have been contacted. Vehicles are stocked with extra blankets and fuel tanks are topped off. Now, it's just a matter of wait and see.
"We are in close contact with our partners at the Office of Emergency Management, neighboring Red Cross chapters and the National Weather Service," said Frank Cassano, CEO of the Nassau Red Cross. "All we can do is monitor the situation and hope the storm delivers a light blow."
Monitoring the situation is something the public is encouraged to do as well.
"Just a slight shift in direction could mean the difference of a little snow or a lot," said Cassano. "Long Islanders should stay tuned to local media throughout the night and into the weekend."
Residents should also make plans now.
"The time to stock up on supplies is not after the snow has started," said Cassano. "It is always better to be prepared."
One of the biggest concerns for emergency officials is that winter storms can bring on power outages. Forecasts indicate that winds could gust to 50 mph during this storm, which would increase those chances. Besides having non-perishable food and water on hand, it is wise to have a battery-powered radio to monitor local news and weather reports.
Another concern is the fact that far too often, as temperatures drop, the instances of preventable home fires increase. Heating sources should be kept at least three feet away from materials that can catch fire like paper, curtains, and bedding. Avoid the use of candles as they can easily be knocked over and cause a fire.
Also, driving is never encouraged during inclement weather; however, if driving is unavoidable, drivers should be prepared for long delays and icy roads. Ensure that gas tanks are topped off and have emergency supplies on hand.
These include:
Finally, don't overdo it when clearing sidewalks and driveways of snow. Dress properly, keep hydrated and take breaks to prevent injuries or illness.
Long Islanders can find a wealth of preparedness information by logging on to www.nassauredcross.org. They can also contact the Nassau Red Cross at (516) 747-3500.
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