September is National Preparedness Month: BeReadyLI Helps Long Islanders of All Ages Prepare for Emergencies
September is National Preparedness Month, and with Hurricane Lane recently flooding Hawaii with more than 50 inches of rain, we are reminded that an emergency can happen at any moment. Since its launch in 2016, BeReadyLI.org, a collaboration between United Way of Long Island, PSEG Foundation, PSEG Long Island and 2-1-1 Long Island, has worked to help tens of thousands of Long Islanders prepare before, during and after disasters by encouraging families to take simple steps that help ensure their safety.
United Way’s 2-1-1 Long Island, a comprehensive resource database, bolsters local disaster efforts of organizations like the American Red Cross on Long Island, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island and Island Harvest by helping to mobilize and assist disaster-affected families, as well as inform residents on how to help their neighbors by enlisting as a volunteer. Expanding on those services, BeReadyLI.org enhances access to Long Islanders with timely and accurate information to improve emergency readiness, as well as recovery resources including transportation updates, town and village contact information and government websites.
“Long Island is subject to a number of weather conditions that could be cause for concern, but it’s not always the rain and snow that could be dangerous,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Something as simple as a heatwave or heavy winds could be cause for concern, which is why it is crucial that we are prepared year-round for any emergency that could come our way. BeReadyLI has all the information that Long Islanders need, in one place, so that they are ready and safe.”
“When it comes to emergencies, big or small, PSEG Long Island urges all families to take the steps necessary to be ready to handle a situation at a moment’s notice,” added Daniel Eichhorn, president and COO, PSEG Long Island. “Oftentimes, there are special precautions that need to be considered – particular health concerns, young children, or pets – that can all be found on BeReadyLI.org, including the BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop – a tremendous asset for parents and schools in learning how children can be prepared.”
In an effort to educate family members of all ages, BeReadyLI offers a Children’s Workshop, an interactive lesson offered to students in preschool through second grade teaching them the basics of emergency preparedness in a fun and approachable way. The BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop has helped more than 20,000 young children learn the importance of knowing their full names, and the whole names of their caregivers, how to recognize who can help them in an emergency and what they should put in their emergency ‘go packs’. Children are sent home with an activity booklet and flyer so that their caregivers can continue educating the entire family about the importance of preparedness.
BeReadyLI encourages everyone to take the first step in protecting themselves. Take the Pledge to be Prepared, test your preparedness knowledge by taking the Quiz, and learn more on how you can prepare for an emergency – visit BeReadyLI.org or 211li.org. For more information on the Children’s Workshop, and how to request it at your school visit bereadyli.org/bereadyli-childrens-workshop.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.UnitedWayLI.org, Facebook or Twitter.
About PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.1 billion.
About 2-1-1 Long Island
2-1-1 Long Island, a project of United Way of Long Island and Middle Country Public Library, is an easy to remember telephone number to connect to a 24/7 call center staffed by Certified Call Specialists who confidentially analyze each caller’s needs and provide referrals to an inventory of 10,000+ unique community resources. Since 2010, 2-1-1 Long Island has received more than 75,000 calls, with nearly 1 million visitors to 211LongIsland.com. 2-1-1 Long Island is a comprehensive model in which several organizations work together to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
June is the Start of Hurricane Season – David Paterson School Students Learn How to “BeReady” for an Emergency
Long Island is an extremely vulnerable region – susceptible to natural disasters ranging from blizzards, to heatwaves, to hurricanes. Recognizing the importance of being prepared and staying safe, United Way, 2-1-1 Long Island and PSEG Long Island launched BeReadyLI.org, a comprehensive online resource aimed at helping residents prepare before, during and after disasters.
Stemming from this initiative, the BeReady Children’s Workshop was developed. It is crucial that all family members, no matter their age, know how to be prepared in case of an emergency. This interactive curriculum on emergency preparedness, filled with engaging videos, activities and take home packets, has reached more than 20,000 students across Long Island since its inception.
With June being recognized as the start of hurricane season, the workshop was especially timely as BeReady educators recently visited the David Paterson School in Hempstead helping 222 first and second graders be prepared in the event of an emergency. The assembly-style lesson began with a simple question to the students: What do they think of when they hear the word “emergency”? Replies ranged from calling 911 to finding the exit to knowing not to panic.
From there, the students followed along with the presenters as they instructed kids how they can get ready for emergencies using props, clips from Sesame Street’s “Let’s Get Ready” special, and a question-and-answer interaction.
As one of the presenters for BeReadyLI’s Children’s Workshop, Nanette McNulty believes that the workshop is effective at helping kids remember the basics of emergency prep. “Being a mother of five kids, and reviewing the information that needs to be taught to kids at school, I know how difficult it is for children to forget even the basics,” she said. “Even if a child remembers only one thing from the BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop, they’ll bring the information home to their families, who can then learn more about how to be safe.”
At the end of assembly, the students recited a safety slogan that implements an acronym to help remind the kids what they should do in an emergency: “be Prepared, be Safe, in an Emergency, and Get ready.” Children left with goodie bags to bring home, containing a coloring booklet, a certificate of “Emergency Readiness”, a safety hard hat, and pages containing information from 2-1-1 Long Island and PSEG Long Island on how parents can prepare for emergencies with their kids.
To learn more about BeReadyLI’s Children’s Workshop, visit http://www.bereadyli.org/bereadyli-childrens-workshop.
Photo Caption: United Way of Long Island’s BeReadyLI Outreach Coordinator Nanette McNulty and PSEG representative Robert Wozniak join Principle Donnette Williams and students Antoine, Reina, Daniel and Day’Shawn at David Peterson School for the BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop, presented to 222 first through second graders.
PSEG Long Island Continues to Help Florida Utilities Restore Power to Customers
PSEG Long Island crews have restored power to thousands of Florida customers. The utility sent more than 460 PSEG Long Island employees and contractors to assist Florida Power & Light, Tampa Electric Company and Duke Energy (Florida) following Hurricane Irma.
A contingent of employees is currently working to repair six circuits for the Tampa Electric Company, where more than 40,000 customers are without power as of this afternoon. Damage includes broken poles, broken cross arms and downed wires.
“The strong winds and rain from Hurricane Irma brought down trees, wires, poles and other equipment,” said John O’Connell, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of transmission and distribution. “Our crews are assessing the damage and replacing poles, wires and transformers to restore service safely and as quickly as possible so the community can begin to rebuild and get back to normal life.”
Mutual aid allows for the sharing of resources such as labor and equipment among utilities during emergencies like hurricanes.
Throughout the restoration, we will chronicle the work of our PSEG Long Island crews in Florida on social media. Follow us on PSEG Long Island on Facebook and PSEG Long Island on Twitter for photo albums and updates.
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, and after the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and with Hurricane Irma approaching in the Atlantic, it is crucial that families on Long Island are ready before disaster strikes. The Long Island region is vulnerable to extreme weather – we are still recovering nearly five years after Superstorm Sandy. BeReadyLI.org compiles in one place preparedness tips, recovery resources, activities for children and weather maps to help Long Islanders before, during, and after an emergency.
Disaster can strike at any time, so BeReadyLI is sharing the top five tips to being prepared and staying safe:
- Have a plan. The entire family should sit down together to develop an emergency plan, including knowing important phone numbers, setting a meeting spot outside of the home, and sharing contact information for someone you trust outside of your home in case your family is separated. Implement and practice your plan throughout the year so that it stays fresh in everyone’s mind. It is crucial to follow mandatory evacuation orders, and having this plan in place will make leaving easier and safer.
- Pack a kit. An emergency kit should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. If your power goes out suddenly, or you are forced to quickly evacuate you won’t have time to gather supplies and you could be left without an essential item. At minimum, your kit should include unperishable food, water, a flashlight with extra batteries, an extra copy of any important documents in plastic, cash, and a radio.
- Consider special needs. For households with elderly family members, young children, or those with special medical needs, extra steps need to be taken to ensure safety. Children should be taught their first and last names, as well as the whole names of their caregivers. Those with medical needs should pack extra medication in case of an evacuation, as well as any equipment they need such as wheelchairs or oxygen.
- Pets are family too. Don’t forget your pets when preparing. Every dog and cat should have a collar with up-to-date tags, and a folder with their vaccination records. Put an extra bag of pet food in your emergency kit, along with a leash or carrier/crate. Never leave your pet behind if you must evacuate, if it’s not safe for you it’s not safe for them.
- Prepare your house. Not every emergency requires an evacuation, sometimes officials may recommend to shelter in place. If a storm is headed your way, secure any outdoor items that could be picked up and thrown by the wind and close all of your windows and doors. Stock up on food that does not need to be cooked or kept cold and determine a wind-safe area of your home away from windows, doors and outside walls to put as much space between you and the outside wind as possible.
Read more about these tips, and others on our Preparedness page.
Prepared for the Storm
Make The Most of Your Winter Energy Dollars
Protecting Long Island’s Infrastructure From Storms
Daily Updates Tropical Storm Hermine
The track and severity of storms can change at a moments notice. Stay up-to-date on the latest information and resources available covering Hermine:
Sept. 6, 2016
Tropical Storm warning dropped for Suffolk County, but residents should still be aware of dangerous rip tides as the winds continue to gust throughout the Island.
Sept. 5, 2016
Rip Currents, Flooding Remain a Concern
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone reports after receiving an updated weather forecast from the National Weather Service, Suffolk County has lifted the voluntary evacuation on Fire Island. While the National Hurricane Center still has a tropical storm warning in effect for the coast from Fire Island Inlet to Port Jefferson Harbor, the storm surge warning has been lifted. Emergency management personnel will continue to monitor the storm due to possible chance of minor flooding for immediate shoreline communities and low-lying areas during Monday’s high tide.
Nassau, County Executive Edward P. Mangano issued a Storm Surge Warning for residents living in flood prone areas and Tropical Storm Warning for all residents. National Weather Service models indicate that flooding – similar to Hurricane Irene – will likely occur on Monday at high tide, Mangano said, possibly resulting in 2 to 4 feet of flood waters.
Suffolk County Lifts Fire Island Evacuation order as Storm Threat Eases
Suffolk County officials have lifted Fire Island evacuation calls after Hermine changed course Monday, though a tropical storm warning still remains in effect for Suffolk County. Officials said in a release Monday morning that the county had avoided the worst and predictions had now shifted towards minimal damage. Storm surges of 1 to 2 feet are still possible during high tides, officials said.
Tropical Storm Warning Continue ONLY for Eastern Areas
Quickly report an outage by texting “OUT” to PSEGLI (773454). You will receive confirmation that your outage has been submitted and will begin receiving ongoing updates as the status of your outage changes. Requires one time registration. To register text REG to 773454. Learn more – PSEG Long Island
Sept. 4, 2106
American Red Cross is ready to shelter anyone who must evacuate Fire Island.
Red Cross Shelter: Nassau Community College
1 Education Drive, Garden City
PSEG Long Island Ready to Respond to Impact of Tropical Storm Hermine
With Tropical Storm Hermine headed up the East Coast, PSEG Long Island continues to monitor the track and potential impact that the storm will have on Long Island and the Rockaways. The utility is ready to respond and has more than 1,500 line and tree personnel on Long Island to serve its customers.
Sept. 2, 2016
PSEG Long Island Prepares for Tropical Storm Hermine
PSEG Long Island is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine and the possibility it could impact our service territory this weekend and into early next week. The storm could bring the potential for heavy rain and strong winds as it sweeps up the east coast and possibly lingers into next week.
American Red Cross on Long Island Updates: A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for our area. Hermine is tracking North East, with its path not yet entirely clear. A little to the South or North could have a large impact on wind, rain and potential flooding. However, since Hermine seems to stall once it hits the Atlantic, any impact will be prolonged, possibly through Tuesday or Wednesday.
Start of storm: Winds will gradually pick up Saturday, with heaviest impact of storm from Sunday 2AM to Monday 2AM.
Winds: Possible winds during height of storm currently estimated 15-35 mph with gusts, highest along the Southern coast.
Coastal Impacts: Potential for Moderate to Major flooding during high tides on Sunday (Around 10 AM and 10 PM depending on location). Due to the rotation of winds, this will resemble a moderate to potentially strong North Easter. Greatest impact of flooding will therefore be in the back bays of Nassau County, South & North Shores, and Suffolk Peconic Bay. Nassau County low-lying areas (like Freeport) could see 2-4 feet above nominal high tide, Suffolk 1-3 feet. Some beach erosion along South Shore likely.
Rain: Will be determined by final track of storm, since the bands cut off sharply. If storm tracks closer, heavy rainfall could occur. If further away, possibly none.
Stay informed, and stay safe.
United Way, 2-1-1 Long Island and PSEG Long Island Launch New Safety Collaboration, BeReadyLI.org
September 1, 2016 (Deer Park, NY) – September is National Preparedness Month and United Way, 2-1-1 Long Island and PSEG Long Island are recognizing the importance of being prepared and staying safe with the launch of BeReadyLI.org, a new online resource aimed at helping Long Island residents prepare before, during, and after disasters.
Long Island has experienced a variety of disasters throughout the years – the Pine Barrens Blaze, the Blizzard of ’96, Hurricane Irene and most recently, Superstorm Sandy. The tragic aftermath of Superstorm Sandy highlighted the need for greater community guidance in the area of disaster preparedness. Long Island was the most populated area of New York in Sandy’s path, 95,534 homes were damaged – and in some cases, totally lost.
United Way’s 2-1-1 Long Island, a comprehensive resource database, bolstered local disaster efforts of organizations like the American Red Cross on Long Island, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island and Island Harvest by helping to mobilize and assist disaster-affected families, as well as inform residents on how to help their neighbors by enlisting as a volunteer. Now, expanding on those services, BeReadyLI.org enhances access to Long Islanders with appropriately equipped timely and accurate information to improve emergency readiness, through community-based partnerships and public education.
“Working together as a community to not only help families following disasters, but help families be prepared before a disaster is crucial,” said Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone. “Supporting our neighbors in times of need is critical, but when we have the ability to help ourselves, which is now easier with the launch of BeReadyLI.org, everyone benefits.”
“Disaster can strike anywhere at any time,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano. “The partnership between United Way of Long Island and PSEG Long Island for the BeReadyLI.org website provides all our Nassau County residents with access to critical resources that, in addition to the NassauNow mobile application and Smart911.com, assist residents before, during and after times of emergency. Be prepared, not scared.”
BeReadyLI.org is a fully interactive, comprehensive and easy-to-use website, compiling critical information applicable to children, the elderly, those with special needs and even pets in an effort to simplify the process of being prepped before disaster strikes. This resource will proactively help families and communities take action to improve their emergency preparedness and resiliency to potential disasters. It is crucial that Long Islanders understand the risks and the steps required to stay safe.
“Safety is PSEG Long Island’s top priority, and we know that ensuring our customer’s safety during a major emergency takes a lot of planning and care,” said David Daly, President and COO of PSEG Long Island. “BeReadyLI takes a multitude of preparedness resources and puts them in one intuitive location, making certain that all our customers have time to plan and stay safe.”
“Living in a complex region that can experience a range of severe weather patterns from heat waves to snow storms presents a unique set of questions, the most important one being, how do we stay safe?” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “BeReadyLI is a true safety collaboration and with the support of PSEG Long Island, we are able to bring together experts from all fields in an effort to provide Long Islanders with a simple yet fully comprehensive resource that will provide invaluable moving forward.”
Features of BeReadyLI.org include:
- preparedness tips and facts about variety of disaster categories;
- an expansive but concise database of programs and support services;
- critical phone numbers and websites of recovery resources;
- up-to-the-minute weather tracking and outage maps;
- educational videos and guides for children from Sesame Street;
- a short quiz testing the user’s preparedness level
BeReadyLI encourages everyone to take the first step in protecting themselves. Taking simple, yet effective measures to plan for the unexpected can make a dramatic difference in the outcomes of disaster situations. To take the Pledge to be Prepared, or to learn more about keeping your family safe, visit BeReadyLI.org
Photo caption: Representatives from the non-profit, public and government sectors come together to announce the launch of BeReadyLI.org, a new online resource aimed at helping Long Island residents prepare before, during, and after disasters. Pictured from left to right are: Devera Lynn, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at United Way of Long Island, Neela Lockel, CEO of American Red Cross on Long Island, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Randi Shubin-Dresner, President and CEO of Island Harvest, Gwen O’Shea, President and CEO of Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, David M. Daly, President and COO of PSEG Long Island, Don Daly Jr., Business Manager for IBEW Local 1049, AFL-CIO joined by Grover and children from Long Island Head Start.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.UnitedWayLI.org, Facebook or Twitter.
About PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of approximately $10.4 billion.
About 2-1-1 Long Island
2-1-1 Long Island, a project of United Way of Long Island and Middle Country Public Library, is an easy to remember telephone number staffed by Certified Call Specialists who confidentially analyze each caller’s needs and provide referrals to an inventory of 10,000+ unique community resources. Since 2010, 2-1-1 Long Island has received more than 75,000 calls, with nearly 1 million visitors to 211LongIsland.com. 2-1-1 Long Island is a comprehensive model in which several organizations work together to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.