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Community Corner

Town Asks Residents to Prep for Irene

As town personnel get ready for the coming storm, officials want residents to do the same.

Southampton Town officials say they are monitoring the and town department heads and other emergency responders are taking necessary actions to prepare for the storm.

Lt. Robert Iberger, the head of the town’s Office of Emergency Management, said residents also need to take actions to prepare for themselves.

"The town is on full alert and monitoring the situation carefully, knowing the storm has the potential to become severe," Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "It is imperative that residents begin to prepare now, while there is time to stock up on supplies, take measures to protect homes, and clearly think through how to best protect family and loved ones should we be facing a strong storm."

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Should the storm strike Southampton as a hurricane or strong tropical system, residents may be faced with impassable roads and a loss of power for a number of days, Iberger warns.

“Sunday is only three days away but there is still ample time to take actions relating to securing household and yard items, boats and other craft that might need to be secured,” Iberger said. He further suggested reviewing family emergency plans, making arrangements for pets and other animals, topping off fuel tanks, and stocking up on water, medicines, non-perishable foods, batteries and other supplies. He said residents in areas that may be evacuated, such as coastal areas, low lying areas and mobile homes, should contact someone they can stay with ahead of time, should the need arise.

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“Pay attention to messages from your local officials,” he said. “Have a battery powered radio on hand. Listen to local radio stations that provide updated information.”

Iberger suggested residents review the town’s . The hurricane could also cause strong riptides, Iberner noted, advising bathers to only swim at lifeguard protected beaches and heed lifeguards and warnings posted at the beaches.

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