August 26, 2011, 7:00 pm:  Bronxville Chief of Police, Christopher Satriale, and Rocco Circosta, superintendent of Bronxville Public Works Department, issued a joint email alert on Thursday, August 27, calling on Bronxville residents to prepare for a potential hurricane this Saturday night into Sunday.

"We are taking this very seriously," added Mayor Mary Marvin, "and making all preparations possible, including extra Department of Public Works personnel and police staffing over the weekend.  As I write, men are out now cleaning drains, removing public planters and stockpiling sandbags and flares."

In an updated email alert on Friday, Chief Satriale stated:  "It is becoming more likely that the Village will be greatly impacted by Hurricane Irene from Saturday evening though Sunday.  Five to ten inches of rain are predicted for our area (with locally higher amounts possible) as well as wind gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour."

Satriale further added, "The village is operating under a state of emergency.  The village emergency operation center will begin operations at 8:00 pm Saturday, August 29 and will remain staffed for the duration of the storm.  Contact with the Emergency Operations Center can be made by calling 914-337-0508."

Medical, fire, and police emergencies should be reported by calling 911.

Power outages should be reported directly to Consolidated Edison at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

The use of parking meters village-wide will be temporarily discontinued beginning Saturday, August 27, at 8:00 am.

Residents in low-lying locations or flood-prone locations are encouraged to move their vehicles to the following locations:  Kraft Avenue Parking Lot (upper portion near People's United Bank and Kraft Avenue (upper portion near People's United Bank.)

Con Edison is taking all necessary steps to prepare for the potential impact of this storm. The storm's high winds have the potential to topple trees and power lines throughout the company's service area.

Con Edison offers the following safety tips:

1. If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them.  Treat all downed wires as if they are live.  Never attempt to move or touch them with any object.  Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by snow, tree limbs, leaves or water.
2. Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately.  If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
3. If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored.
4. Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios are in working order.~ Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries.  Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations.
5. Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen.  Every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process.  Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.

Bronxville officials will continue to closely monitor the forecasted track of Hurricane Irene as Saturday night approaches and will issue further alerts as necessary.  "It is extremely important at this time that everyone prepares for the possibility that the hurricane will cause flooding, power outages and road closures," said Police Chief Satriale.

The following are guidelines to follow in preparing for the storm:

1. Make a family emergency plan, which includes identifying an out-of-town contact, making sure all family members know how to text-message, and more.

2. Ensure you aren't running low on personal toiletries and prescription medication.

3. Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio.

4. Make sure your cell phone is charged. You might want to buy a portable power device, which you can charge in advance and plug your phone into later.

5. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with food, water, medical supplies and a battery-powered radio.  Include batteries, flashlights and other items.  You should have enough to get through three days after a hurricane hits.  The National Hurricane Center has a printable checklist here.  You might want to keep a similar kit in a backpack or tote bag if you're told to evacuate.

Checklist Items

1. Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

2. Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- food for infants or the elderly
- snack food
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils

3. Blankets / pillows, etc.

4. Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

5. First Aid Kit / medicines / prescription drugs

6. Special Items - for babies and the elderly

7. Toiletries / hygiene items / moisture wipes

8. Flashlight / batteries

9. Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

10. Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

11. Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

12. Keys

13. Toys, books and games

14. Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag - insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

15. Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

16. Vehicle fuel tanks filled

17. Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash

18. Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle, cash, and your disaster supplies kit ready to go.

For Your Home:

1. Make sure your important documents (including birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, wills, deeds and financial and insurance records) are in a flood-proof location or safe deposit box.

2. Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold.  If your power goes out, open and close them sparingly.

3.. If you have shutters that can be closed, close and secure them.

4. If you know the water in your home stops running if the power goes out, fill your bathtub and other large containers with water for bathing, flushing toilets, and cleaning.  Do not drink this water.

5. Cover your windows with plywood if you think your home could be in danger of flying projectiles.

6. Garage doors are often the first feature to fail in a storm.  Reinforce all garage doors.

For the Yard:

1. Trim any weak, dead, or overhanging branches from trees and bushes.

2. Clear rain gutters and downspouts.

3. Secure your lawn furniture, planters, and other outdoor items, or bring them inside.

4. Turn off propane tanks.  Shut off other utilities if emergency officials advise you to do so.

If You Are Told to Evacuate:

1. Turn off all utilities if authorities advise you to do so.

2. Leave immediately.  If you think there might be a chance you'll be evacuated, pack in advance.

3. Stick to designated evacuation routes.  If you need help, this is the most likely place to find it.

During the Storm:

1. Do not go outside, even in the storm's early stages, due to the potential for flying debris.

2. Close all doors, stay clear of windows, and keep curtains and blinds shut.

3. Be aware that a sudden lull in the storm could just be the eye of the storm passing over. The storm will resume.

After the Storm:

1. Be careful when you go outside -- watch for downed power lines, broken glass and damage to building foundations.

2. Do not attempt to walk or drive through water.  Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines, and moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

3. Don't drink tap water until you know it is safe.

4. If you have property damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

5. Keep in mind that most insurance policies require flood insurance to be purchased at least 30 days in advance before that portion of the policy is activated.  Consider purchasing flood insurance so that you'll be covered for next time.

"While the potential exists for this to be a dangerous storm," added Chief Satriale, "be assured that the village staff is prepared and trained to respond to any emergency and has already begun planning for the weekend to insure public safety during and after the storm."

Click here to get the latest on the storm from weather.com

weather.comHurricaneIrene Central