There are many things that set the Village of Garden City apart from our neighboring municipalities. One of these is the extraordinary level of services that is provided by the incorporated village to our residents. Such was the case last Labor Day weekend when heavy rains and high winds felled trees and limbs blocking streets and sidewalks. I want to thank our Public Works employees for leaving their families and planned family activities to respond to emergency conditions within the village and for effecting such a rapid and efficient removal process which assured the safety of our residents and opened roads for emergency equipment and vehicular traffic. In spite of the poor weather conditions, slow progress continues within village Parking Field 7S. The replacement of drainage structures, adjustment of castings and installation of tree planters is complete. The installation of light pole bases and conduit will follow before milling, base repair, paving and striping. I hope to be able to provide more specific information in my next column that will apprise everyone as to the dates that portions of the field will be closed.

With just a few weeks before the end of the summer, it is still important to keep up your guard against mosquitoes and the viruses they carry. According to the Nassau County Board of Health, five additional mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Nassau County. Twelve mosquito pools and two birds have tested positive for WNV and one horse has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Although only one human has tested positive for WNV in Nassau County, residents should still take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Although the disease is rare in humans, when someone does get infected, EEE is a life-threatening illness.

The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works are conducting mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites and when necessary, applying larvicide. Mosquito surveillance will continue at 42 trap sites located throughout the county and will be increased in those areas where virus activity has been reported.

The risk of serious illness from mosquito-borne disease is real. Although many mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk and when the air is calm, others will feed any time of day. Outdoor workers should protect themselves by using a repellent containing DEET and wear a hat, socks and loose fitting long pants and long sleeves to limit the amount of exposed skin.

To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your property, eliminate standing water in the yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens and that all screens are in good repair. In addition avoid areas with high mosquito populations, replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use and change the water in birdbaths twice a week.

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 loose or damaged facing. Know where the water, gas and electric turn off switches and valves are in your home.

Further, 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.