Community News

June Begins Hurricane Season – BeReadyLI Helps Long Islanders Prepare

Long Island can be an extremely vulnerable region to natural disasters, especially hurricanes. June 1 marks the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs through November 30.

Due to the pandemic, in 2020 our neighbors were faced with more health and safety concerns than ever. The dangers that came from last year’s destructive storm, Hurricane Isaias were vast, and at the same time there was a shortage of product essentials. With 18 named storms predicted for 2021, it is crucial to be prepared for potential disasters, especially for vulnerable populations including seniors and young children.

Recognizing the importance of preparedness, United Way of Long Island, 211 Long Island and PSEG Long Island developed BeReadyLI.org, a comprehensive online resource aimed at helping residents prepare before, during and after disasters.

BeReadyLI.org provides families with timely and accurate tips, resources and information. Included on the site are simple and affordable ways to help families be prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies – this includes packing a supply kit with essentials such as flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit.

As an educational tool, parents and caretakers can learn how to involve children in creating a family disaster and evacuation plan; discover what documents are most important to keep flood-and-fire proof; and understand measures to take into consideration when planning emergency safety for seniors and people with disabilities. Other available resources include weather and transportation updates, town and village contact information, and access to utility websites.

“Our longtime partner PSEG Long Island continues to be committed to helping members of our communities stay safe, including with the support and co-creation of BeReadyLI.org. After a year of uncertainty, it is comforting to know that an engaging, interactive tool is available to provide resources for families to make sound decisions to stay protected and/or lead to safety,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island.

“We are proud to partner with United Way of Long Island on this important program,” said Dan Eichhorn, President and COO, PSEG Long Island. “BeReadyLI.org offers information to help families get ready for an emergency before it happens. PSEG Long Island prepares all year long to update and maintain the electric infrastructure to provide our customers with the best service possible, during extreme conditions.”

BeReadyLI encourages everyone to take the ‘Pledge to be Prepared’. To take the pledge and learn more on how you can prepare for an emergency, visit www.BeReadyLI.org.

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