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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ADVICE FROM NUHEALTH’S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS & MEDICAL DIRECTOR, STEVEN J. WALERSTEIN, MD, FACP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2011

PRESS CONTACT:
Shelley Lotenberg
shelley@numc.edu
516-572-6055

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ADVICE FROM NUHEALTH’S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS & MEDICAL DIRECTOR, STEVEN J. WALERSTEIN, MD, FACP

East Meadow, NY… As we head into the dog days of August we are in the middle of hurricane season. Although we are not at the same level of risk the southeast United States, a recent report found that a category 4 storm hitting Long Island could damage 250,000 properties, and cause up to $100 billion of damage. Even a category 1 storm would affect 74,000 properties on the island.  Lessons from previous hurricanes include Katrina in New Orleans, have highlighted the importance of personal and family preparedness in maximizing your health and safety in the event of such a catastrophe.
Each year an average of 11 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico; 6 intensify and meet criteria to be called hurricanes, and 2 strike the US coastline.  Meteorologists who monitor storm activity will declare a hurricane watch when there is a possibility of a hurricane within 48 hours; a hurricane warning indicates that a storm is expected to hit within 36 hours.

We cannot prevent hurricanes, but we can prepare. Now is the time to create a family emergency plan, including a method of communication, a designated out of town friend or relative whose phone number can serve as a central contact if needed, and a meeting point in the community if your house is inaccessible.  Your home should be supplied with a disaster supply kit in case you are isolated at home, or within your neighborhood. There should 1 gallon of bottle water per person per day for 3-7 days. Food supplies should be able last that long also-have a stock of non perishable packaged or canned food, snack foods, special food for infants or the elderly, a non-electric can opener, cooking tools and a propane gas fueled cooking device. Paper plates, utensils and cups are needed.

Communications with the outside world will be essential so a battery-operated radio with plenty of fresh batteries is part of the kit. You should have one flashlight per person with backup batteries for each. Make sure you will be protected from the elements and have blankets, pillows, clothes and rain gear.  Banks and ATMs may not be available so have a supply of cash on hand. Include a waterproof container in case you need to protect important documents. If you have a pet, prepare for their food and water needs also.  Finally, if you are on any medications, at the announcement of a hurricane watch, make sure you have at least 10 days of supplies.
So whether it’s “be prepared”, or “better safe than sorry”, take the time to sit down with your family and discuss what to do in the event of a hurricane hitting Long Island in 2011.
To look at Nassau County’s recommendation on hurricane preparedness, please visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/Hurricane.htm

ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life.  Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community.  By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.

For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.