Glen Cove Prepares for Hurricane

While the uncertainty of Hurricane Earl's impact on Long Island looms over us, meteorologists still warn that we are long overdue for a destructive hurricane to hit–whether or not Earl lives up to the hype.

"All it takes is one storm heading on the right track to spell disaster for Long Island," said Bill Goodman, a forecaster for the National Weather Service.

Local Assemblyman Charles Lavine  is advising Glen Cove residents to be prepared in the event our area is affected by Hurricane Earl later this week as predicted.

"Whether or not Earl comes our way, there's always a chance another hurricane will hit Nassau County and leave residents without the ability to leave their homes and/or without power for days, as we have experienced with recent storms," Lavine said. 

Doug Goldstein, owner of Charles of Glen Cove hardware store on Glen Street, strives to educate residents on the proper precautions to take in the event of a hurricane.

According to Goldstein, who built the original store in 1958, LED railroad lamps or flashlights are battery safe ways to light your home in the event of a power outage: "Avoid kerosene indoors; it smokes," he said. 

Keep refrigerators closed; be sure to have ample food to get through several days; and keep tarps and sandbags on hand, Goldstein said: "Tarps are a great way to cover up a broken window until the storm passes, and sandbags can be used for basement flooding."

A handwritten sign on the store's front door reminds passers-by to stop in and stock up on storm essentials for the home.

"We have everything people need from butane stoves to tarps of all sizes. We will service any item and make sure the customer knows how to use it before sending him home," said Goldstein. "We've fought through many storms before, and we are here to help people."