The following are trustee reports from the Aug. 21 Floral Park village board meeting.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Green said that being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school and at work. "Disaster can strike quickly and without warning," he continued. "It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or it can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? Local official and emergency responders will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes."

Most of us have at one time or another thought about what we would do in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, too many of us never go beyond just thinking about it. Even worse, some people believe having stored food supplies and a few thoughts about what they would do in an emergency is being prepared.

"The truth is, without formalizing your thoughts on how you want to approach various emergencies, you are not prepared. In other words, being prepared means not only having supplies but having a written plan that includes training and practice. Developing a written plan not only organizes your thoughts, it also provides a systematic and repeatable approach to how you and your family respond to an emergency situation," he said.

In an effort to help residents get started with their survival plan, Deputy Mayor Greene has included some information in the upcoming Village Items, which is being mailed out in a few weeks.

Deputy Mayor Greene added that during the month he joined his fellow board members at the recreation summer camp awards and swim team awards. He congratulated the Pirates swim team on their undefeated season, the first undefeated season in three years. He thanked recreation director Kurt Meyfohrt and pool director Tom Dillon for another great summer and extended a special thanks to the lifeguards, swim team coaches and camp counselors for all their hard work. The programs would not have been successful without their dedication and commitment.

Trustee James Rhatigan said the fire department answered 110 calls for assistance in July. Fifty-eight of these calls were for medical assistance and 52 were departmental call outs. It should be noted that 13 responses were recorded within 50 minutes on Wednesday, July 18, to deal with the effects of the devastating rainstorm. "The actions of our men and women of the department on that day once again speak volumes toward their dedication to service," Trustee Rhatigan said.

Trustee Rhatigan said the center has completed its summer programs for youths and adults with an outstanding awards ceremony held Aug. 16. MaryBeth Clancy and Chris St. Clair took "Campers of the Year" honors while Jacob Daniels accepted the inaugural Jim Krug Youth Tennis Award. The youth activity leaders were also recognized with Keith Conti and Nancy Sica being named "Parkies" of the summer. The summer programs this year served over 1,000 youths and had 52 adult teams competing in volleyball and basketball.

The village pool will soon close out another successful year. Pool subscriptions increased this year over last and attendance increased at both the pool director's dance and teen dance. The Pirates swim team completed their season undefeated with over 200 children registered on the team. Residents should note that while the pool will officially close at 6 p.m. Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, senior citizens will be welcomed to attend the senior picnic Tuesday, Sept. 4.

Trustee Mary-Grace Tomecki reported that the Council of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of Alexa Ventimiglia and Mary Powderly, once again sponsored a series of delightful Friday evening concerts this summer in Memorial Park, two of which Trustee Tomecki said she was fortunate enough to attend. On July 27, the Parisian Accordions presented an eclectic array of music while on Aug. 3 the Village Music Makers, under the direction of Tom Wagner, entertained residents and their friends with a selection of music from the Big Band era.

Trustee Tomecki extended her special thanks to the Department of Public Works for preparing Memorial Park for the visiting bands. A very special thanks, however, also goes out to Public Works employees Larry DeCiantis, Joseph Wagner and Russ Mazzola who remained on the grounds throughout the performances to provide concert-goers with complimentary folding chairs and assist with lighting as well as clean up at the conclusion of each event.

The final concert season will include a jazz band and is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park. Trustee Tomecki encourages music lovers of all ages to come out and enjoy the live performance.

Anyone interested in bringing an issue to the attention of the Citizens With Disabilities Committee or perhaps becoming involved in its activities is encouraged to contact co-Chairpersons Giny Bonagura (354-3314) or Nadia Ortiz (860-4570). Trustee Tomecki reported that Long Island author Georgette Symonds is visiting the Friends of the Floral Park Library Book Club, Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Symonds will be discussing her latest book, Look Not Upon Our Sins, as well as the art of writing. Anyone interested in joining the book club should contact the library at 326-6330.

Many residents voiced concerns about the recent damage to their homes caused by flooding on Cedar Place and Clover, Maple and Mayfair Avenues due to the torrential rainstorms that occurred July 18 and Aug. 8. They asked what the village is doing to address their concerns.

The mayor responded that the village has met with engineering consultant, Dvirka and Bartilucci, to undertake a comprehensive study of the areas to determine what effective measures can be taken to improve drainage conditions in these areas. The mayor will keep residents informed of the steps being undertaken.

On motion by Deputy Mayor Greene, seconded by Trustee Rhatigan and carried unanimously, Mayor Phil Guarnieri recessed the meeting at 10:30 p.m.