Congresswoman Nan Hayworth Newsletter

August 25, 2011 WEBSITE | CONTACT ME | SERVING YOU | MEDIA CENTER | ISSUES | DISTRICT News from Nan - Preparing for Hurricane Irene With forecasts predicting Hurricane Irene’s current path potentially heading in the direction of New York this weekend, it is important for residents of the 19th District to take the proper steps to ensure they are prepared for the storm.   If you haven’t already, take the time to visit the National Hurricane Center’s website or the American Red Crosswebsite for actions that you can take to organize a plan to protect you and your family based on specific hurricane hazards.  While it seems likely that we may not face the worst of the storm, we must still take proper actions in order to prepare for the worst.  After all, preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane as powerful as Irene, which may bring flooding, tornadoes and high winds to New York. Also available on our website at Hayworth.house.gov is a list of resources that will provide you with contacts for various federal and state agencies, strategies to best prepare for harsh conditions, and tips on the best ways to stay informed throughout the storm, all of which can also be found below. Throughout the weekend, it will be important to pay attention to updates from the local media outlets. Also, feel free to contact any of my District offices with any needs or concerns you may have. Sincerely, Nan Hayworth      Hurricane Preparedness With forecasts predicting Hurricane Irene’s current path may be pointed in the direction of New York this weekend, it is important for residents of the 19th District to take the proper steps to ensure they are prepared for the storm.  Below are resources that will provide you with contacts for various federal and state agencies, strategies to best prepare for harsh conditions, and tips on the best ways to stay informed throughout the storm. Important Resources: Following are web sites and contact information for various federal and state agencies: Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/ New York Aware Prepare http://www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.noaa.gov/ National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ The following is a list of tips from local and federal agencies on ways to help you prepare for the potential threat of storms that may approach the 19th District of New York. Tips to Be Prepared: DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN - Your family's plan should be based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family. CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT- There are certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane. The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home. SECURE YOUR HOME- There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms. ONLINE VULNERABILITY INFO- There are web sites that can give you information about your communities vulnerability to specific hazards. These include hurricanes as well as other weather related hazards. Additional Safety Information FAMILY DISASTER PLAN Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. National Flood Insurance Program Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit. Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors. Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes. Throughout storm season it is important to pay attention to updates from the local media outlets. Also, feel free to contact my office with any needs or concerns you may have. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth's Congressional Offices: WASHINGTON D.C. 1440 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-5441 (phone) (202) 225-3289 (fax)   FISHKILL 2 Summit Court Suite 103 Fishkill, NY 12524 (845) 206-4600 (phone) (866) 921-3842 (fax)   GOSHEN 255 Main St., Suite 3232G Goshen, NY 10924 (845) 206-4600 (phone) (845) 291-4146 (fax)   SOMERS Towne Centre at Somers 268 Route 202, Suite D105 Somers, New York 10589 (845) 206-4600 (phone) Additional Websites: American Red Cross FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY National Hurricane Center NY State Emergency    Important Resources: Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/ New York Aware Prepare http://www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.noaa.gov/ National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Additional Websites: American Red Cross Federal Emergency Management Agency National Hurricane Center NY State Office of Emergency Management  FISHKILL 2 Summit Court Suite 103 Fishkill, NY 12524 (845) 206-4600 (phone) (866) 921-3842 (fax) GOSHEN 255 Main St., Suite 3232G Goshen, NY 10924 (845) 291-4100 (phone) (845) 291-4164 (fax) SOMERS Towne Centre at Somers 268 Route 202, Suite D105 Somers, New York 10589 (845) 206-4600 (phone) WASHINGTON D.C. 1440 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-5441 (phone) (202) 225-3289 (fax)