Southampton Town Begins Preparations for Storm

As Hurricane Sandy — or "Frankenstorm," as it is being dubbed — makes its way northward, officials in Southampton Town have begun storm preparations.

According to Jennifer Garvey, of the town supervisor's office, Southampton is working closely with the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management to carefully monitor the storm, and begin taking the necessary precautions and planning steps as needed.

In the event of a major storm impact, Garvey said the town will an open an Emergency Operations Center at police headquarters in Hampton Bays under the direction of Lt. Lawrence Schurek, who is the town’s emergency management coordinator.

"The town has well-planned protocols to follow for every stage of an approaching hurricane, through to landfall and recovery," Garvey said.

While waiting for the storm, Garvey recommends that residents read the town's comprehensive hurricane guide, which is available on the Internet, here.

"Residents are urged to look through the Hurricane Guide as soon as possible in order to have ample time make the needed preparations," she said.

In addition, Garvey said the town is asking residents to look up their property address and determine if it is in flood zone. A comprehensive flood zone map is available online here.

The last step the town suggests is for residents to sign up for the town's Facebook and Twitter feeds as well as the county's Code Red system, which will send updates directly to your cell phone in the event of an emergency. To sign up, click here.

Those without Internet access can call the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management’s Customer Service Center at 631-852-4900, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to supply their contact information over the phone.

To read a statement issued by Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, click here.