Suffolk Fire, Police Officials Prep For Nor'Easter, Urge Public To Do The Same

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk fire officials have begun prepping and urging members of the public to take precautions ahead of the impending nor'easter about to slam Suffolk County this weekend.

Officials from Suffolk Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services, which coordinates emergency management for the county, advised Facebook followers to expect rain and winds across the county this weekend, Reasu

"Don't go around, or near water, and avoid driving through flooded streets," said the agency, which is headquartered in Yaphank.

County executives Ed Romaine and Bruce Blakeman were expected to share the region's emergency preparedness plans at a news conference at the agency's Office of Emergency Management at noon.

Parks officials closed Suffolk's campgrounds on Thursday night, pending reevaluation on Sunday.

Suffolk police told followers that forecasters are predicting the nor’easter will begin to impact the area during the next several hours.

"The Suffolk County Police Department is prepared, we hope you will be, too," read a post on the department's Facebook.

In a video post, Lt. Brian Raziac from the department's Community Relations Bureau offered tips to residents.

He told them to make sure garbage bins are safely put away in a yard or garage, and to take all outdoor furniture, which can blow away or be used as a projectile, and safely cover them or put them in a garage.

He also said to make sure “furry friends” are inside for the duration of the storm.

“In the event of a power outage, you want to make sure you have at least one flashlight, enough batteries to get you through the storm, and any other electronics that you might need — a cell phone, a charger — they are fully charged,” he said. “If you have any neighbors that are elderly or live alone, check on them and see if they need anything.”

The cals for preparedness were particularly urgent in eastern Suffolk, were storms can hit hard and lead to flooded roadways and erosion.

The Mastic Fire Department said that last night members held a work detail for storm prep, making sure all equipment was working properly and ready to go in case of an emergency.

"Members checked our fire engines, the rescue truck, our high water truck, our MIRT truck, and our mini pumper," the post stated, adding that the department's saws, and motors on equipment were also checked.

Around 20 members took part in the work detail, the department said.

The Mastic Volunteer Ambulance Company advised residents there could be "flooding, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas."

"Strong winds may bring down trees, branches, and power lines and could cause power outages," a post to the company's Facebook read. "Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown. Keep phones charged and have flashlights, batteries, medications, and other essentials readily available."

The post continued, "Avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the storm and check on family, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance."

"Please stay informed through official weather and emergency management updates as conditions can change," the post stated. "For all medical and other emergencies, Call 911. Our crews remain ready to serve our community when needed."

"Stay safe," the post concluded.