Experts agree that it is not a matter of if - but when - a major hurricane will strike Long Island.

The damage caused by such a natural disaster could be catastrophic, and quite possibly worse than the destruction the Gulf Coast faced after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Because of the dense population and geography of the Island, evacuating will be difficult, if not impossible. Help will come from the outside, but initially, Long Islanders must be prepared to take care of themselves. The question is - will Massapequa residents be ready?

The Massapequa Public School District is taking steps to ensure that community members and Long Islanders in general, receive the necessary education should disaster strike in the form of a hurricane.

On Wednesday, June 13, from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m., Massapequa High School and the American Red Cross invite the public to learn more at a special presentation designed to inform residents of Red Cross policies for setting up, running, and closing a shelter during a disaster.

The course will be taught by a team of authorized Disaster Services instructors who have Mass Care experience in local, service area, or larger shelter operations, and will take place at Massapequa High School, 4925 Merrick Road in Massapequa.

All are welcome to attend this informative course in hurricane preparedness.