As of press time, it was still not clear whether or not Hurricane Floyd, a Category 4 Hurricane, would hit Long Island or at what force it would be if it does hit, but the possible impact of the storm and warnings about preparedness were discussed at the Monday night Massapequa Village Board meeting.

When the problem of flooding in the village was raised again, John O'Brien, special assistant to the mayor, stated, "I would strongly recommend that if you know anyone who lives in Bar Harbor, there's a very, very strong possibility that we're going to get this hurricane- don't stay. Do not hang around. Batten down as best you can and head to shelter or somewhere inland. People who live in areas that flood in heavy rain should make every effort to do exactly the same thing. Don't stay there."

Trustee William Van Wagner recounted the time when Hurricane Gloria, a relatively mild Category 2 hurricane, hit Long Island, and he was told to evacuate by the police and fire departments but decided to stay to take care of his boat after getting his family out. By the time he decided to leave, he was almost hit by a tree falling and then was blocked from leaving because trees fell across the road, bringing down power lines, in the flooded streets, causing electricity to fly all over the road. "I was there. Next time they tell me to get out I'll be the first one to go," said Van Wagner.

O'Brien told residents to be ready for this storm, to tie down everything that is not anchored and to get out. He noted that anything not tied down becomes a missile during a storm like this.

Village Administrator William Colfer suggested that residents get a roll of film before the hurricane hits to document what their property looked like before the storm for insurance purposes.

Massapequa Park resident Les Astrof commented, "According to the hurricane meetings I attended, if this is a Category 4 storm, there's nothing left of Massapequa Park."

In response to this comment the board and village administration once again urged residents to leave when they are told to evacuate. O'Brien stated, "All of this board is now on alert, as of Wednesday, for extra duty, and they will be on duty."

The Town of Oyster Bay has declared a Level I alert in response to the threat of Hurricane Floyd, as outlined by the town's Hurricane/Coastal Storm Response Plan, which indicates the preliminary activation of the Town Emergency Operations Center. While at the present time the storm cannot be tracked with certainty, the town is monitoring the storm's movement and is preparing to take action if and when necessary. The town's department of public works will be delivering the Town's Hurricane Safety Brochure door-to-door in low lying areas most prone to flooding. This brochure offers additional tips on how to prepare for and how to respond to the aftermath of a hurricane.

A severe Tropical Storm Watch was issued at 1 p.m. on Wednesday for Long Island by the National Weather Service. The governor has directed Adjutant General John H. Fenimore V to put the National Guard Operations Center into 24 hour operation as of Thursday morning and place them on a heightened state of awareness in anticipation of possible hurricane relief or response missions.

The governor recommends: listening for weather updates and keeping informed; being prepared to evacuate coastal areas; having a hurricane evacuation kit ready, including a battery operated radio, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first aid kit, two week supply of medicine, blankets, or sleeping bags, extra clothing, personal items including books and toys, important papers, checkbook, credit cards, cash, and an ATM card; informing local utilities of special medical needs of the young, elderly and those who depend on electrical life support; identifying a friend or family member from a non-threatened area that you will keep informed about your family's plans; and inventorying personal property and safely securing all records and valuable documents in a water-tight place.

LIPA and KeySpan Energy have also initiated their hurricane anticipation procedures and remind residents to call them at 1-800-490-0045 for gas emergencies. They remind customers never to touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are safe, filling spare food-grade containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible power interruption, make sure all motor-driven equipment such as garage door openers can be operated manually, when using a portable generator make sure all LIPA-powered equipment is disconnected, do not use charcoal to cook indoors, and if an electrical power interruption occurs disconnect all sensitive equipment such as computers and TVs until power is restored.

"While we cannot at this time predict the effect of Hurricane Floyd on the Empire State, we know the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones is to take the time to be prepared for the potential fury of this hurricane," Governor George Pataki said.