Southampton - Spearheaded by Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, Town Board liaison to the Office of Emergency Management, the Official Town of Southampton "2011 Hurricane Survival Guide" has been released and is available to the general public.

The main thrust of the Guide is that "Survival is Everyone's Responsibility." According to Graboski, "Experts tell us that we are in an active hurricane cycle and that it's not a question of if, it's a question of when." The Councilwoman noted that in the event of a hurricane, "There is no way that government can take care of everybody. Rather, we need our residents and visitors to share in this responsibility, so that we can best protect ourselves, our families and our property. It is up to each of us to see that our homes are secure and that relocation plans are made well in-advance."

The 2011 Guide has been updated and revised with the most up-to-date emergency information including important telephone numbers, checklists, tips to keep residents and their families safe, and valuable information to help prepare for a hurricane and its aftermath. Special sections are included for Seniors, Pets, and persons with Special Needs. This year for the first time a list of websites in Spanish has been added. Additionally, the advisory postcard has been generated in Spanish as well as in English, in the effort to expand outreach and provide vitally important information to the Latino community.

Lt. Robert Iberger, head of the Office of Emergency Management, stressed that, "Evacuation for Southampton Town residents generally means re-location to higher ground to a sound structure out of the projected surge inundation areas. Mobile home residents must also evacuate their residences until after the storm has passed." In the event that residents do have to relocate, it is especially important to plan ahead to make alternative arrangements, well in-advance of a hurricane threat, to stay with a family member, friend or co-worker. Residents who do not live in a flood relocation zone or in a mobile home or manufactured home should shelter in place.

According to the Lieutenant, the American Red Cross may or may not open a limited number of emergency shelters. While shelters can offer the safety of a sound structure, residents should not expect much in the way of amenities. Town officials strongly urge residents needing to relocate out of flood prone areas or from mobile homes to make alternative plans well in advance, with shelters to be used as a last resort. He also stressed that most American Red Cross Shelters do not allow pets so residents need to take this into consideration when preplanning. Additionally, Lt. Iberger noted that in the event of a hurricane, residents should be prepared for the possibility that downed trees and power lines could disrupt electrical power for an extended period, noting that it could be some time before a return to "normalcy."

The "2011 Official Town of Southampton Hurricane Survival Guide" is available online, under the "Emergency Preparedness" link. Hard copies are also available in Town Hall and at the Town Community Centers in Hampton Bays, Flanders/Riverside, Westhampton and Bridgehampton. To request a copy by mail, residents may call 631-287-5745.