TOS Is Providing Useful Info In The Event Of Flooding Emergency

THE TOWN OF SMITHTOWN TAKES PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO MITIGATE RISK AS FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED FOR SATURDAY IN EFFECT FOR THE WEEKEND

SMITHTOWN, NY: The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) issued a warning this morning as the National Weather Service has declared a flood watch in effect from March 23, 08:00 AM until March 24, 02:00 AM. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall (2.5 to over 3.5 inches) is possible beginning Saturday morning and expected to last late into Saturday night. As a result, excessive runoff may cause flooding conditions around rivers, creeks, streams, low-lying and flood-prone areas. Flooding may also occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

The Smithtown Department of Public Safety is urging residents to use caution while traveling. Do not drive cars through flooded areas and limit travel if possible. Public Safety will be monitoring the weather and updates from our OEM partners and as always, will have staff on duty 24/7 to serve the residents. Residents can stay informed with real-time updates by downloading the Town of Smithtown Mobile App which is free on Google Play and the App Store. 

The Smithtown Highway Department has already begun taking precautions for the forecasted heavy rains and wind. The fleet is currently out cleaning storms drains and gutter lines, zeroing in on low lying areas of which the weather advisory identifies as a risk for flooding conditions. The Highway Department will be on duty for the duration of the storm.

All residents are advised to monitor future weather forecasts, for possible flood warnings. Take precautions early for family, elderly relatives & neighbors, and pets for the duration of the weather event. Useful phone numbers and contact information for various utilities, government agencies and emergency services have been listed below the advisory.  

WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE NWS FOR OUR AREA:

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. 

IMPACTS: Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Prolonged rainfall will occur Saturday into Saturday night, and may be heavy at times. A total of 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain is forecast with locally higher amounts possible. There will be potential for flooding, which could linger into late Saturday night for some area rivers and streams.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS & EMERGENCY GUIDANCE: 

Public Safety: 631-360-7553: Public Safety operates Seven Days a Week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Power Outages - PSEG Information: View PSEG Long Island’s outage mapClick Here

To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com

To register have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454)

Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075

Report Gas Outages or Emergencies: If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call National Grid 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-0045 or dial911 immediately.

Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: Please check on your neighbors with disabilities, special needs and senior citizens. Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food and supplies. Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency.

Animals & Family Pets: Keep all pets indoors and sheltered from torrential rains and heavy winds. Consider walking dogs ahead of the bad weather. Have important items handy (leashes and/or or carriers, food, medication and water) in the event of a flooding evacuation emergency. Identify favorite hiding places so that pets can be easily found during emergencies. 

USEFUL NUMBERS:

Stranded Vehicles: If there is an emergency, please dial 9-11 immediately. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety by calling 631-360-7553 

Local Fire & Police Phone Numbers: In an emergency dial 9-1-1

• Suffolk County Police Department: For non-emergencies, contact 631-852-COPS (2677). Dial 9-1-1 ONLY for life-threatening emergencies.

• Smithtown Fire Rescue Communications: 631-265-1500 for fire and EMS emergencies in the Smithtown, Kings Park, and Hauppauge Fire Districts.

• Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services: Dial 911 for fire and EMS emergencies in the St. James, Nesconset, and Nissequogue Fire Districts.

• Commack Fire Department: 631-499-5777 for fire emergencies in the Commack Fire District.

Report Power Outages to PSEG: Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454), report it online atMyAccount.psegliny.com, through the PSEG app, or call 1-800-490-0075

Report Gas Outages or Emergencies: If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call National Grid 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-0045 or dial911 immediately.

LIRR Commuter Travel Information: For information regarding delays or travel questions, contact the LIRR 24 hour travel information center at 718-217-5477

Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or leave messages after hours. 

Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: For assistance with elderly or special needs individuals, contact the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642

Animals & Family Pets: To report animals in distress, strays or other loose/lost domestic or wild animals please call (631) 360-7575