Valley Stream prepares for storm, evacuation ordered

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano on Sunday ordered an evacuation of the South Shore, including all areas south of Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream. The evactuation order takes place at 2 p.m.

Over the past several days, Valley Stream village officials have been preparing for the likeliehood of Hurricane Sandy hitting Long Island. The storm is heading up the East Coast, and is expected to hit Sunday night through Tuesday.

The worst part of the storm is expected Monday night into Tuesday. Village officials have been preparing for the storm by clearing out storm drains and removing dangerous tree limbs. They also open the gate at the south end of the Hendrickson Park lake, to allow water to flow freely through the stormwater system and out into Jamaica Bay.

Mayor Ed Fare said that all village workers will be called in if necessary. He said that this is no different than preparing for a snowstorm. “Everyone knows their job, everyone knows what they’re supposed to do," Fare said. “It’s not the first time we’ve had a storm.”

The village has already participated in conference calls with the state, county and LIPA.

When the storm hits, firefighters will be stationed at the village's firehouses, and a command center will be set up at the headquarters on Rockaway Parkway. Additionally, an emergency communications center will be established at Village Hall, led by Village Clerk Bob Barra and Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Roca.

Fare said that residents should secure loose items on their property, such as lawn furniture. Residents are urged to keep an emergency weather radio handy,charge all cell phones before the storm hits and have plenty of fresh batteries on hand in case of likely power outages. Have plenty of non-perishable food and water on-hand.

The village has provided the following emergency numbers: (516) 592-5114, 592-5108 and 592-5106. The emergency number for LIPA is (800) 490-0075.

The county will have emergency shelters at several locations including Nassau Community College, P Building, 1 Education Drive in East Garden City; Levittown Memorial High School, 150 Abbey Lane in Levittown; Locust Valley High School, 99 Horse Hollow Road in Locust Valley; and SUNY Old Westbury; 223 Store Hill Road in Old Westbury.

Fare said he hopes that the storm misses Long Island, but if he doesn't, the village is prepared. “The safety of our residents is of paramount importance to us," he said.