As you’ve probably heard in the media, Hurricane Sandy (now dubbed ‘Frankenstorm’, will move northward through the Bahamas on Friday, bringing tropical storm conditions to the east coast of Florida. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Carolinas Saturday and Saturday night. Sandy is expected to turn toward the northeast on Saturday, followed by a turn to the northwest early next week, with direct impacts expected for the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast U.S. on Monday and/or Tuesday. The most  current forecast can always be found here.

Stay tuned! Sandy could miss our region entirely, brush by it, or slam directly into it early next week. Experts believe the area will not go unscathed.  A direct-hit scenario would have “huge implications” in our area.  Even if Sandy only makes a “close pass” it will likely be impactful; with strong winds that would topple trees causing widespread power outages, storm surge, and coastal flooding.

If you have not done so already, it is important that you:

• Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area and be prepared to follow guidance from Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg and other local officials.
• Check your family’s emergency supply kit – make certain you have food, water, medications, and other necessities to sustain you, your family and family pets for at least 72 hours.
• Remember food safety – power outages and flooding may happen as a result of a tropical storm or hurricane, so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer.
• Have an adequate communication plan – be sure friends and family know how to contact you. Teach family members how to use text messaging as text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call can’t get through.

Keep in mind, hurricanes bring heavy rains, storm surges, and possible flooding events. Avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas – it takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

You can get hurricane safety tips from NYC Office of Emergency Management here or right on your phone by downloading these useful apps:

• FEMA – Android, Apple, Blackberry
• American Red Cross “Hurricane” app – Android,