Suffolk Opens Emergency Operations Center

 Precautionary Measure for High Surf Advisory, Flood and Wind Watches Issue by National Weather Service

Yaphank, NY – Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced today that the county opened its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Yaphank at 9 a.m. in preparation for flood and high-wind watches, following a high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for most of Suffolk County.

The EOC coordinates the county’s disaster response system and consists of workstations for representatives from the county, towns, villages, utilities and emergency responders.

“Though this is not a hurricane, these types of storms have the potential to create a great amount of damage—so we want to be prepared,” said Levy. “Cooperative planning among local, state and federal officials, along with proper public education, are crucial to mitigating the potential impact of any storm. Opening our state-of-the-art EOC further enhances Suffolk’s ability to monitor storm developments and rapidly communicate crucial public safety information to the media and public at large.”

Up-to-the-minute weather briefings are tracking a low pressure system along the coast that is expected to collide with a strong, high-pressure system that remains anchored over much of the north Atlantic.  The two systems are anticipated to create a corridor of strong, southerly winds in the area that may yield very heavy rain and strong winds this afternoon and into tonight.  Rainfall totals of 2 to 6 inches are possible where the heaviest bands set up, which will result in sharp rises of fast-responding rivers and streams and may lead to flooding.  Gusts of 45 to 55 MPH with the potential for more damaging wind gusts of up to 60 MPH at the peak of the storm are forecast.

Residents are also reminded to monitor their Local Primary Emergency Alert Systems such as WALK 97.5, which has teamed with Suffolk County in building a state-of-the-art broadcast facility at Suffolk’s EOC command center. The facility will further enhance the county’s ability to rapidly relay important public safety information over WALK’s airwaves.

Additionally, Levy urged Suffolk residents to sign up for the new Code RED emergency notification method. This high-speed telephone communication service delivers customized, pre-recorded emergency messages directly to Suffolk County homes and businesses at a capacity of up to millions of calls per day. Code RED generates telephone, e-mail and text messaging notices to subscribers. The 7,000 residents who already signed up for the service within just a few short weeks received the following message today:

“This message is from Suffolk County Fire Rescue - Suffolk County Residents should prepare for heavy rain and winds Thursday through Friday.  Starting late tonight narrow bands of heavy rain will develop, with the potential for rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.  Rain will continue Thursday into Friday with storm totals of approximately 3.5 inches of rain in areas of Suffolk County.  This coupled with sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 50-60 mph will result in the possibility of urban flooding, downed trees and power outages.  Residents should prepare for this storm securing all loose objects outside that may be blown around by wind.  Should you experience a power outage contact LIPA at 1-800-490-0075 or 631-755-6900.  Weather conditions can change at any time and this storm should be monitored closely.  Please remember that 911 should only be used for “True” emergencies.  Please stay tuned to local television and radio stations for further weather updates.”

To sign up to receive these “Code RED” messages, access the following link: Code RED.

Individuals who do not have Internet access may call the Office of Emergency Management’s Customer Service Center at 631-852-4900, from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive Code RED information over the phone.

Levy reminded residents to dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. Residents with non-emergency situations can call the Suffolk Police Department’s non-emergency number, 852-COPS (852-2677) or the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services line at 852-4900.