Update: New Rochelle Gets Ready for Hurricane Irene

4:50 p.m., Aug. 26, 2011: Patch received an update from Huguenot Yacht Club's Office Manager Gloria Head on securing boats:

"Just an update and wanted to let you know that Huguenot Yacht Club is hauling boats, of all sizes, like crazy in prep for the hurricane. I know I told you on the phone that we would haul our smaller boats and make sure the others were well tied down. In light of the possible direct hit, a lot of owners have requested to be hauled. We have been working non-stop since [Thursday] morning to try to get everyone who wants out hauled before the storm hits. Some of our largest boats, that we can't haul, are leaving for places that can haul them. We will still have boats in the water that we will secure as best as possible. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

----------

The City of New Rochelle is preparing for Hurricane Irene, which is predicted to affect the major metropolitan area sometime Sunday.

City officials caution residents that, while the direct path and intensity of the storm has not yet been determined, a combination of heavy rain and high tides could result in significant flooding. High winds could knock out electricity.

New Rochelle's Harbormaster Sal Gugliara said he's been hauling in lots of boats.

"Lots of locals and nonlocals are looking for safe haven," he said.

Dry docking will continue Friday and Saturday, after which it will be too late, he said.

Gugliara said the city marina is well situated with no exposure to wind or direct waves. That said, he is expecting 3 to 4 feet of flooding, if the storm continues as predicted.

He said under no circumstances should anyone go down to the marina during the hurricane.

"Be prudent. Do not go down to the water," Gugliara said. "Get it done now" if you have a boat in the marina.

Gloria Head, the office manager of the Huguenot Yacht Club, said the smaller boats will be hauled in and the larger boats will be more securely tied down.

While the owners are expected to take their of their own property, "we will also go down and make sure everything is secure," she said.

Situated west of Glen Island, Head said the yacht club is in a protected area.

"It's a pretty safe haven," she said.

The city is urging residents to start preparing now for the possible hurricane.

Regular updates will be made through the following:

• The City Web site will have the latest News Flash and Emergency Alerts which will also be posted on its Facebook page and Twitter feed.
• Bulletins will be on NRTV Cable Channel 75 and FIOS Channel 28.
• Connect-CTY emergency calls will be made as necessary.
• News releases will be sent to local news outlets, including New Rochelle Patch.

A complete list of actions to take to prepare for emergencies can be found on the City Web site.

According to a release from the city, to prepare specifically for a tropical storm or hurricane:

• Frequently listen to your radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins on the progress of the storm.
• Fuel and service family vehicles. Service stations may be unable to pump fuel because of flooding or loss of electrical service.
• Moor small craft or move to safe shelter.
• Check on supplies. Make sure you have flashlights and batteries on hand, as well as at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable foods, as well as first aid and medications.
• Consider the special needs of young children, disabled or elderly family members.
• Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become a projectile in high winds.
• Homeowners with active building permits should make sure all materials secured or stored indoors. Roofing projects should secure all loose materials and scaffolding should be lowered or removed. Soil erosion control measures should also be maintained.
• Have on hand an extra supply of cash.
• Print out a list of important phone numbers and insure the safety of important documents.