Red Cross Opening Hurricane Evacuation Center in Babylon Town

As Hurricane Irene barrels up the East Coast, the Red Cross is opening up an evacuation center in at the Robert Frost Middle School, located at 450 Half Hollow Road in Deer Park.

“It will be open tomorrow [Saturday] beginning at 10 a.m. for anyone who needs it,” said Tim Ruggeri, town spokesperson.

And while the town isn’t currently issuing a mandatory evacuation, it’s strongly urging residents to voluntarily evacuate low-lying areas ahead of the storm.

“As it stands right now, it’s still a voluntary evacuation, and certainly residents in low-lying areas like the barrier beaches and South of Montauk are urged to leave ahead of the hurricane,” Ruggeri said.

He assured that Babylon Town has been in close contact with Suffolk County officials to coordinate their hurricane preparations and plans of action before, during and after Irene.

“We’re working closely with the county,” noted Ruggeri, who added that if the town does decide to make it mandatory, then a reverse 911 call to residents through the county would be activated to alert them.

In the meantime, the town urges residents to stay informed and listen to the news, he said.

To help them stay informed, the town also posted Hurricane Irene Preparedness Information on its website Friday afternoon, which will be updated to include the announcement of the Red Cross evac center in Deer Park, Ruggeri said.

Current information for residents includes the following:

BOATS – It’s strongly recommended all boats be removed from the water and moved to high ground as soon as possible. Boat ramps at Tanner Park in Copiague and Venetian Shores Park in Lindenhurst will be open until 6 p.m. on Saturday and are free to use.

TREES – Park your car as far from any trees as possible. If possible, keep cars out of street to facilitate clean-up efforts.

SENIOR CENTERS – After closing Friday, Senior Centers will be closed until further notice.

ANIMAL SHELTER – Please do not bring animals to the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter. Please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722 if you have questions about pet care during the storm.

BEACH BLAST – Postponed until next Saturday, September 3.

TOWN HALL – It’ll be closed until Monday morning.

The town also provides a link to download the American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist.

The town also provides a link to download the American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist.

The Red Cross can be reached at 631-924-6700 or 631-423-0307. Additional information regarding flood-prone areas can be found at www.suffolkcountyny.gov.