New Rochelle readies for Hurricane Irene

The following was released by the City of New Rochelle regarding Hurricane Irene:

The City of New Rochelle is actively preparing for Hurricane Irene, which is predicted to affect our area early Sunday morning. While the direct path and intensity of the storm is yet to be determined, heavy rains and high tides may result in significant flooding and high winds could knock out electricity.

Residents are urged to prepare now. In advance of and during the storm, the City will issue regular updates through the following communications channels:

Website: The City website www.newrochelleny.com will have the latest News Flash and Emergency Alerts which will also be posted on our Facebook and Twitter pages

Bulletin: NRTV Cable Channel 75 and FIOS Channel 28

Connect-CTY Emergency calls will be made as necessary

News Releases to local news outlets

Residents can subscribe to receive these emergency alerts directly through the City’s website at www.newrochelleny.com.

PREPAREDNESS

As with any disaster or emergency, residents are encouraged to Get a Kit and Make a Plan. Make a kit – specifically, a go-bag for use in an evacuation and a household disaster kit to enable a family to survive at home for several days without electricity. Have a plan – A family emergency plan should include deciding where to go in the event you have to leave your home. Don't forget to make plans for your pets as well. A complete list of action steps can be found on the City of New Rochelle website www.newrochelleny.com/prepare ; www.westchestergov.com and www.ready.gov.

To prepare specifically for a tropical storm or hurricane:

· Frequently listen to your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the progress of the storm.

· Fuel and service family vehicles. Service stations may be unable to pump fuel because of flooding or loss of electrical service.

· Moor small craft or move to safe shelter.

· Check on supplies. Make sure you have flashlights and batteries on hand, as well as at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable foods, as well as first aid and medications

· Consider the special needs of young children, disabled or elderly family members

· Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become a projectile in high winds.

· Homeowners with active building permits should make sure all materials secured or stored indoors. Roofing projects should secure all loose materials and scaffolding should be lowered or removed. Soil erosion control measures should also be maintained.

· Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

Print out a list of important phone numbers and insure the safety of important documents.