TOBAY Provides Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources

The Town of Oyster Bay has posted several safety and emergency tips for residents on its website to prepare for the possible impact of Hurricane Irene this weekend, and said that the Town is “more than prepared enough.”

“The Town has the public safety and public works vehicles all ready to go,” Town Spokesperson Kurt Ludwig said. “We have the emergency activation system ready -- we’re really prepared.”

The Town has installed the emergency notification system (SwiftReach or Swift 911) that enables the Town to “call thousands of residents per minute to convey vital emergency information.” The messages can be sent by telephone, e-mail, text or pagers. Residents can sign up for the program at the TOBAY website or by calling 516-677-5350 and requesting the form.

Ludwig said the Town is recommending that residents keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water, as well as a flashlights with extra batteries, and extra clothing and items for kids. A full list of preparation tips can be found to the right of the main page, under "important storm information."

The Town's Emergency Operations Center will be activated 24-36 hours before the potential arrival of Irene. The center is for residents who need further information such as evacuation warnings, emergency shelter locations and to get assistance in evacuating. The number for the Emergency Operations Center is 516-677-5757.

The American Red Cross is also prepared. The Red Cross "Safe and Well" website enables people to let loved ones know what their situation is due to the hurricane. Facebook and Twitter status' also can be updated through the Safe and Well site.

In case things get really bad, the closest hurricane evacuation shelter is at . For a list of shelters, check the Nassau County website.

To report a power outage you can visit the LIPA website or call 800-490-0075 or 631-755-6900.

For more safety tips, check out that was widely attended back in June, as well as our back in May. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates of the Hurricane this weekend.