Orangetown HIghway Department Prepares for Storm

Orangetown Highway Department workers took to the streets Thursday to check critical drainage areas, standard procedure with rain coming.

The department is going beyond that standard procedure with the area facing the threat of Hurricane Irene, which is expected to arrive in the Lower Hudsin Valley either late Saturday night or early Sunday.

"As we usually do, we are out checking critical drainage areas," said General Foreman Mike Yannazzone. "I have a crew putting together sandbags in the event that we need them. If residents need them, we will have them available."

Yannazzone also said that the department checks its own equipment for storm readiness, including front loaders and backhoes that can be used to clear debris in the event of flooding.

The department has a generator in case of a loss of power and portable generators to help crews with their work on the road.

Yannazzone said it is important for residents to stay informed of the storm's movements and to make sure all loose items outside are either secured or put away so they do not further clutter the streets.

"If you do get flooded or lose power, be careful before you start pumping out your basement," Yannazzone said. "Make sure there are no wires down in your area.

"The best thing you can do is stay home. Hopefully it passes and we don't need tall this. I went through (Hurricane) Floyd and it wasn't pleasant. "