I was recently reviewing a publication that was published by the Western Long Island Coastal Alliance, Ltd. on the subject of hurricane activity. It was interesting to note that the years from 1995 to present have been the most active on record for both the number and intensity of hurricanes, the implications are that we can expect more hurricanes which will have a greater impact on Long Island in the foreseeable future.

While the Incorporated Village of Garden City subscribes to an emergency weather service and carefully monitors regional storm activity, in preparation for implementing its storm emergency plan, there is a lot that residents can and should do to make preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. In this and succeeding columns I will share information so that you can be prepared in the event that a major storm hits Long Island.

The following are just a few important ways we can all prepare for a hurricane: Make a physical inspection of your property prior to the hurricane season. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. Remove any damaged or dead limbs or any branches that could contact your home. Do not trim trees once a hurricane watch or warning is announced. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts. Fix and secure any loose vinyl/aluminum siding and roofing materials as well as any loose or damaged facing. Know where the water, gas and electric turn off switches and valves are in your home. Learn safe inland routes and the locations of inland shelters (in Nassau County, these include the Nassau Coliseum and Nassau Community College). Review the working conditions of emergency equipment such as flashlights, battery powered radios and make sure there is enough non-perishable food and water on hand. Prepare an inventory of important household items that may need to be replaced if your home is damaged by a storm. Photographs or videos of your home and its contents may prove useful. Review your insurance policies with your insurance agent. Obtain and store any necessary materials (such as plywood) to properly secure your home. Choose a friend or family member out-of-state for everyone to call if any family members become separated.

Once again I appeal to residents, if you have recently had a tree planted in front of your home, please take the time to water it. The proper way to water is to first loosen the soil around the tree if it has become baked hard and then allow a hose to run at the base of the tree at a rate slow enough so that the water will be absorbed into the area around the tree trunk. Watering hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days.