Rockland County officials urge residents to prepare for storm - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Rockland County officials and emergency services units are asking residents to start preparing for Hurricane Sandy as it approaches the area. 

"We are closely monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Sandy. Weather reports are predicting that we could be affected this weekend or early next week" said Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef. "Residents should review their family plans, stock up on emergency supplies and be aware of approaching weather conditions." 

In 2011 Hurricane Irene struck Rockland and caused millions of dollars of damage. 

Officials said residents should review the community's emergency plans and make sure their plans are in order for their homes and places of business. Residents should also be aware of weather conditions by monitoring local radio and television station broadcasts, as well as NOAA Weather Radio, for the latest information.  

Residents can receive emergency information from NY-ALERT, New York State's All-hazards Alert and Notification System. To subscribe for this free service, visit www.nyalert.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may still sign up for NY-ALERT by calling 1-888-697-6972. 

Rockland County officials urge residents to follow the steps below to ensure preparedness for the storm: 

• Review their household disaster plan. Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the "emergency family contact." Then make certain all family members have that number. Designate a family emergency meeting point; some familiar location where the family can meet in the event the home is inaccessible.
• Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called. Include children's schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand. Make sure battery-operated radios and flashlights are available and have an ample supply of batteries. Have a first aid kit available and make sure there is an ample supply of medicines on hand for those who require them. 
• Pay attention to the news. Know the local radio and television stations that will provide up-to-date official information during an emergency. In Rockland County, radio stations that would carry emergency information include: WHUD 100.7 FM, WRCR 1300 AM, and Rockland County's Residents Information Station 1640 AM.  
• Know the hurricane / storm risks in their areas, and learn the storm surge history and area's elevation. 
• Learn their community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
• Learn safe routes inland and local sheltering plans.
• Make arrangements on where to relocate pets during a storm because most shelters will not allow pets. 
• Store important documents - insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc. - in a waterproof container. Also, have cash (in small bills), checkbook, credit and ATM cards readily available.