Mangano: Long Beach Medical Center Must Evacuate

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano ordered the mandatory evacuation of Long Beach Hospital and all nursing homes on the barrier island when he declared a state of emergency Saturday in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy.

Mangano said in a statement that because weather models predict a record storm surge will impact Long Island, he is putting all residents that reside in storm surge zones on heightened alert. Storm surge zones include Barrier Island, which consists of Long Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, Atlantic Beach and East Atlantic Beach, as well as the areas south of Sunrise Highway from the Queens border to Rockville Center and south of Merrick Road from RVC to the Suffolk border.

“We are expecting record storm surges – with current models predicting surges greater than Tropical Storm Irene,” Mangano stated. “Experts predict between 4 to 8 feet of storm surge. A High Wind Watch was issued just a short time ago - as high winds will begin late Sunday night into Monday and Tuesday.”

Mangano urged residents in these areas to immediately review their Family and Friends Shelter Plan for potential evacuation, and he said that residents who experienced flooding in Tropical Storm Irene or who lived close to these homes will likely be asked to relocate until the storm subsides.

Fully anticipating a severe storm, Mangano declared a mandatory evacuation of Long Beach Medical Center and all the skilled nursing home facilities on the barrier island on Saturday, in order that patients can be safely transported before the storm, and he ordered the closure of county parks, marinas and senior centers starting Sunday at 5 p.m.

“Although the storm track could still change, emergency first responders, police and public works crews remain at the call to assist our residents,” Mangano said. “Governor Cuomo has dispatched extra ambulances to the County to assist frail and ill residents.  I have also been in contact with the MTA, LIPA, New York State and local officials from our towns, cities and villages.

“The time for preparation is now,” Magano continued. “I ask all residents to stay alert for weather forecasts and messages from Nassau County.  I remind residents to assemble an Emergency Go-Kit. Among other things, this kit should include medications, a first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, a portable radio and water and dry food.

To assist the public, the county executive will activate the Nassau County Non-Emergency Hotline Sunday, at 7 a.m.  Residents with non-life threatening emergencies should dial 1-888-684-4274 for assistance with down trees and roadside issues.  All those with life threatening emergencies should dial 911.

For more information on storm preparation, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/hurricane or follow me, Ed Mangano, on Facebook and Twitter.