Hurricane Earl Headed off Coast

As September rolls in, so does hurricane season.

Hurricane Earl—dubbed the second major hurricane of the 2010 season, just behind Hurricane Danielle—was said to have been gaining momentum toward the southeast coastal region and could bring driving rain and strong winds to the area by the week's end; but according to Tuesday night's 8:00 p.m. National Weather Center Advisory, there is no evidence that the storm will directly hit Long Island.

"The latest model runs are very interesting. The NAM/GFS/UKMET seem to have a more westerly track for Earl, while the hurricane models tend to keep it much further eastward. There seems to be agreement with the system passing east of the area late Friday afternoon/Friday evening. There is once again no evidence of any model (as of 18Z/2pm EDT) to indicate direct landfall over Long Island," said Joe Giannotti, a Long Island-based meteorologist.

According to the center, timing is crucial with this storm, and the eye of Earl will most likely hit anywhere from 100-300 miles from Montauk Point: "Fifty miles either way will make a huge difference with this storm. The two biggest model runs will be tonight and tomorrow night's 00Z runs," Giannotti said.

Though Glen Cove is not in its direct path, residents should still take precautions in the event that the storm brings driving rain and strong winds.

Back in July, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), National Grid, Red Cross, New York State officials and the Offices of Emergency Management of Nassau and Suffolk counties conducted a hurricane drill, as they do every year to prepare for such significant weather events.

LIPA president Kevin Law said it's not a matter of "if" but "when" a hurricane will hit the region after studying recent summer weather patterns.

Commissioner of Nassau County Office of Emergency Services Jim Callahan added that Long Island is "long overdue" for a hurricane, noting that every 17 years, a hurricane should hit the island. The last hurricane, however, that hit Nassau County was a category one named "Gloria" back in 1985.

The City of Glen Cove has taken precautions to ensure the safety of residents through the Emergency Notification System—a high-speed computerized telephone calling system that enables officials to notify you in the event of an emergency. 

Only listed telephone numbers for commercial and residential properties are included in the system.

Residents can update their information online or by filling out contact information forms at City Hall or the Glen Cove Police Department. 

There are several easy but important steps residents can do to prepare themselves for the season. According to the National Weather Service's hurricane preparations and precautions checklist, a family disaster plan checklist is a must:

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home, but within your community.
• Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners' insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit.

The Red Cross advises that two disaster preparedness kits are ideal – one for home and one to take with you as a "go bag" during evacuation. Include in your disaster preparedness kit:

• Water – at least one gallon per person per day
• Food – Non-perishable items you'd want to eat – such as canned food (and a manual can opener), energy bars peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• First Aid Kit – Pack a "how to" guide as well.
• Medications – Essential prescription and non-prescription items and medical information.
• Crank radio and flashlight or battery-powered radio and flashlight (with extra batteries), and a 12-hour glow stick.
• Clothing – A change of clothes, rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
• Personal items – Remember specific items such as eye glasses or contact lenses and solution, personal care and hygiene items, extra (charged) cell phone batteries and comfort items such as toys or books.
• Money – Have cash. ATMs and credit cards won't work if the power is out.
• Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container – Copies of drivers' licenses, wills, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, proof of residence (deed or lease), recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, social security cards, passport numbers, home inventory list.
• Special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Additional hurricane information is available on the Nassau County website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/hurricane.htm. Visit http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter/safety.html for storm safety and preparedness tips from LIPA.