Suffolk County Prepares for Hurricane Sandy, 'Frankenstorm'

Suffolk County officials are working round the clock to keep residents safe from the potentially devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy.

According to Vanessa Baird-Streeter, spokeswoman for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County officials have been monitoring the path of Hurricane Sandy since the beginning of the week.

The characteristics of the coming weather event have some comparing it to another Perfect Storm, though weather bugs on Friday dubbed it "Frankenstorm."

Internal and external meetings have been held in preparation of the forecasts, and the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management held a preparatory municipal conference call on Thursday with local emergency managers, Baird-Streeter said.

Suffolk County’s Emergency Operations Center opened at 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning.

In addition, Suffolk County is urging residents to sign up for Code Red Emergency Notifications, to be updated as news regarding the storm evolves.

In other Hurricane Sandy news, Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy and prepare for potential storm impacts.

While it's possible that the storm might not hit Long Island directly, NOAA officials are predicting high winds, tornadoes, coastal surges, downed trees and widespread power outages.

"I have directed state agencies and New York's emergency operations personnel to begin preparations now for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy," Governor Cuomo said. "I urge all New Yorkers to closely track the storm's path, using local radio and television or online reports. We will actively monitor the storm's progress and take any steps necessary to protect our state's residents."

Cuomo told residents to listen to the radio and TV for emergency alert messages.

In addition, he added that a storm emergency kit should include items such as non-perishable food, water, cash, filled prescriptions, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries. 

For the latest information on Hurricane Sandy, visit www.dhses.ny.gov. and subscribe to NY-ALERT, the state’s alert and notification system; visit www.nyalert.gov to sign up for free.