Astorino: Never Too Early to Prepare for Hurricanes

Now is the time to prepare for severe weather—think hurricanes.

That is the message from Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino.

He is urging residents to review their emergency plans and stockpile necessary supplies in case severe weather strikes the county again this year.

"All of us remember the devastation that Westchester suffered in recent years from Hurrican Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and Superstorm Sandy," he said. "Lives were lost, power was out for days, roads were blocked by downed trees and homes and businesses were damaged by flooding."

Astorino said it never hurts to be prepared and recommended residents have on hand severals days' worth of food, water, medicine and other critical supplies in the event they are stuck in their homes without power.

He also said residents should prepare a "go-bag" in the event they have to evacuate on short notice.

There are other storm-preparedness tips at keepingsafe.westchestergov.com/be-prepared and www.ready.gov.

One suggestion from the American Red Cross is to download the organization's smartphone app.

Whether you have an iPhone or Android, the American Red Cross wants to make it easy for you to be prepared during hurricanes.

The "Hurricane App" is available for free download in both the iPhone App Store and the Google Play Store for Androids—simply by searching for American Red Cross.

The app features important safety information, real-time hurricane tracking and tools to let loved ones and friends know that you’re safe and well.

Features of the app include: 

• One touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
• Location-based NOAA weather alerts for the United States and its territories users can share on social networks;
• Remote monitoring of personalized weather alerts where family and friends reside