This week, as I opened my local Anton-owned newspaper, I was quickly drawn to columnist Michael A. Miller's piece concerning hurricane preparedness. At first glance, I was a bit dismayed by a few of his comments; however, instead of making a knee-jerk reaction I thought better. I am actually thankful for what he wrote because it is helping to create a discussion relating to an important question, "Are we ready, and if not, what do we need to do?"

First, I would like to say that we are much more prepared than ever. As Miller alluded to in his column, we have pre-positioned durable containers with supplies at locations throughout Long Island. At present there are 30 of these containers, each filled with 1,000 cots and 2,000 blankets. Having these pre-staged, we will be able to open shelters much more efficiently in the event that we need them.

Yet Miller is right, there are gaps that still need to be addressed. He is completely right when he states that the capacity of our shelters cannot house the number of people who might need to evacuate from their homes. On Long Island, the American Red Cross has identified 50 hurricane shelters for this hurricane season which would be able to house a little over 50,000. In Nassau County alone, depending upon the size of a storm and where it makes landfall, over 300,000 might have to leave their homes.

Some might suggest that the solution is to identify more shelters. For many reasons, that is easier said than done. First of all, not only does a shelter need to be out of flood zones, it must be able to withstand the winds associated with hurricanes. We do not want to create more problems by putting people in unsafe buildings. The second problem relates to our most vital resource--volunteers. After a major storm, thousands will pour in from throughout the nation; however, we sadly do not have enough people right here on Long Island who are willing to hold down the fort. Residents need to realize that we are on an island and it could take 3-5 days for help to arrive from the outside.

We are hopeful that, in time, we will be able to increase our capacity to shelter. Until then, people will need to assume some responsibility for themselves. Miller writes, "If current plans actually need people to stay home, to prepare to go it by themselves, then we need to be told just that." The reply to this is yes, every resident of Long Island needs to make their own plan. People need to determine if they are in a vulnerable area. People need to examine their options. Miller speaks of a joke referring to people from the South Shore needing to make friends with people from the North Shore. No matter where one lives on the Island, they need to explore the possibility of staying at a friend or relative's home. A shelter should be a place of last resort. We at the Red Cross will do everything we can to provide relief, but we do need the public to do its part.

Now, the question is how? Residents can educate themselves in many ways, Miller even referred to a great asset--the Internet. He also made a good point that some sites can be difficult to navigate. In the beginning of July, the Red Cross began an aggressive public awareness campaign geared specifically for Long Islanders, through a variety of mediums including this newspaper. As part of it, there is a new website www.liprepares.org. In its first two weeks, the site had nearly 9,000 visitors. It is our hope that as people see or hear our ads on television, radio and in print, we will see many more hits. Also, for those who are not web savvy, we have a toll-free number 877-PREP-4-LI that residents can call to request a Long Island specific preparedness guide. Residents should also feel free to call or visit the Nassau Chapter. Our phone number is (516) 747-3500 and we are located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola.

Above all though, we as Long Islanders need to face the fact that hurricanes can and have hit Long Island. It is not a matter of if it will happen, it is a matter of when. Once we all realize this, then and only then can we truly be ready. Miller closes his column by writing that "it is time for our leaders to step up." I'll go a step further by saying that all Long Islanders need to step up.

Frank Cassano

Chief Executive Officer

American Red Cross in Nassau County