If you are among the 3,000 residents who have an in-ground lawn irrigation system, you have been required to install a backflow device. This device prevents household water from backflowing into the public water supply should there be a water main break or a fire hydrant opened within the area. A certified tester must test the backflow device annually. The Nassau County Department of Health has made it a mandatory requirement for all devices to be tested by Dec. 31, 2007. They have informed Garden City's Water Department to enforce the ruling by any means necessary including interruption of water. Those still needing to have their devices tested should call their lawn sprinkler company to have their test done. Testing can be done at any time during the season, especially at the end of the season when sprinklers are turned off. If you have not had your backflow device tested, please do so in order to comply with the Board of Health's requirement.

If you have any questions or need a list of certified testers, please contact Steven Bayard of the Public Works Department at 465-4012.

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 downspouts.

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.

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 enough non-perishable food and water are 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.

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 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns. It is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.