Politics & Government

County Update: 17 Rescued From Fire Island With 10 Pets

In other county updates, over 1,800 housed in county shelters during height of Hurricane Sandy.

A total of 17 people and 10 pets were rescued from Fire Island on Tuesday, after Hurricane Sandy swept across the region and left a trail of devastation in her wake.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone reported that the Fire Island rescue, which brought residents of Cherry Grove and their pets to safety, was coordinated with the Suffolk County police department, Islip Town, search and rescue teams, FINS, and the United States Coast Guard.

In addition, the county conducted an air surveillance operation over Fire Island to assess damage and needs. In other news, all county roads were cleared on Tuesday by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, except for County Road 67, as requested by the Suffolk County Police Department.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bellone has directed the Suffolk County DPW crews to work with towns and assist with tree removal to expedite the process.

Suffolk County is also working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure emergency meals and distribution.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The National Guard, Bellone said, worked hand-in-hand with county officals to ensure residents in flooded areas did not return to their homes before high tide on Tuesday; in addition, the National Guard and other military assets have been deployed to the area.

Residents across Suffolk County, Bellone said, flocked to county shelters, which were manned with the help of Red Cross volunteers during Hurricane Sandy: At the height of the storm, over 1800 were safely sheltered.

In other updates:

  • Suffolk County bus transportation is suspended for Wednesday.
  • Suffolk County Parks remain closed until further notice.
  • Suffolk County Health Centers open on Wednesday include locations in Shirley, Riverhead, Southampton and the Riverhead Mental Health Clinic. Patients should call their respective clinics, to confirm that the clinics are open.
  • Suffolk County facilities closed Wednesday include the North County Complex, legislative building, civil service building, labor department, cepartment of health services, telecommunications division, and the methadone clinic. Suffolk County employees should follow the directives of their department heads.


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