Politics & Government

Petrone: Better Communication Needed in Storm Response

Report analyzes Town's response to Super Storm Sandy.

By Leah Bush

Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone cited a need for improved communication as the top finding in a recently released report analyzing the Town's response to Super Storm Sandy.

The 78-page report, presented to the Town Board last week, makes specific findings and recommendations about the Town’s actions in dealing with the storm and its aftermath and possible changes in Town procedures and policies.
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"Number one is the need for us to do a little bit more coordination among the departments," Petrone said, as well as with LIPA. 

Social media should be further utilized to communicate with the public, he added. During Super Storm Sandy, many people were able to use their cell phones to gain access to Facebook and Twitter, despite blackouts. Petrone also cited a need for better technology, including computers, TV monitors, and two-way radios. 

A committee of Town personnel and community members with prior emergency management experience was formed in February to conduct the report. As part of its review, the committee examined issues related to Town-wide preparedness measures, sheltering procedures, storm surge, mitigation measures for prolonged electrical outages, and communications.

“The Task Force performed a comprehensive review that highlighted areas in which the Town performed well and formulated recommendations that going forward will help the Town be even more effective in reacting to future storms,” Petrone said. “I commend them for their thorough analysis and thank them for their efforts.”

The report's findings and recommendations will be incorporated into the Town’s All Hazards Emergency Operations Plan next month. The full Sandy response report can be downloaded from the town's website.

Tell us, what did you think of the Town's response to Sandy? What did they do well? What could have been improved?


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