Update: Storm Leads Huntington to Cancel Activities

Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone Friday canceled all town activities from 5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to make landfall along the East Coast.

American flags in metal holders that decorated the Town Hall lawn were removed as a safety measure against high winds. Residents are asked to do the same, storing objects that might be turned into projectiles by heavy winds.

 “Now is the time for everybody to secure loose objects, ensure that they have adequate supplies of food and water, fuel their vehicles and make plans about how they will communicate with loved ones,”  Petrone said. “As the storm progresses, I ask people to consider this motto: Be aware, be prepared and be safe.”

The cancellation covers all town-sponsored meetings, events and programs and all outside organizations using town facilities for events, meetings and programs at town facilities starting at 5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday.

The status of events scheduled for Wednesday will be determined after the storm.

 Among the events canceled is the forum on the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that had been scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall. The forum will be rescheduled.

 The launch service provided by the Town Department of Maritime Services will continue as long as conditions exist so boaters can check on their vessels.

Residents can download the town’s hurricane preparedness handbook at the town’s website, http://HuntingtonNY.gov. Updated information is also available at the town’s website or its Facebook page, iby tuning to the Town’s government access channels 18 (Cablevision) or 38 (FiOS), or by tuning into local television and radio stations.

Residents are asked to keep these emergency numbers handy: the Highway Hotline, 499-0444; the town’s public safety department, 351-3234; and, to report a power outage, call LIPA at 800-490-0075.

Adding to the threat is a cold weather mass moving into the region from the west that, when combined with Sandy, has been dubbed “Frankenstorm."

Huntington Patch will continue to update with storm information.