Sandy – An unprecedented challenge for local government

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On October 29, 2012 superstorm Sandy made landfall in Freeport. It was the largest storm on record, measuring about 1,100 miles in diameter and the second costliest storm on record in U.S. history.

So much has been written about this storm over the last year. There are still many Freeporters trying to rebuild their lives.

What follows are brief accounts of how the various departments in Freeport dealt with the storm, what they learned from it and how they will address the needs of residents when another storm hits our shores.

Mark Treske

Laura Schofer

In the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, many of our village department heads and staff spent endless hours helping devastated residents and businesses while their own homes had suffered severe damage and their families were relocated. Notably, the Village of Freeport Electric Utility, Department of Public Works/Sanitation, Recreation Center, Police Department, Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management worked extremely hard to assist and aid throughout the entire Hurricane Sandy weather event last October 29.

We have learned that the ability to predict dangerous weather and flooding conditions is available and accurate. Warnings were issued in sufficient time to evacuate; but many residents did not take advantage of the warnings. It was fortunate that the village did not suffer a tragic loss of lives. Some 4,000 homes were flooded, 500 homes are still vacant and approximately 100 homes were red tagged.

It is important to remember, if advised to evacuate due to eminent flooding, please follow the direction of our Office of Emergency Management and temporarily relocate your family and pets. Please shut off your main circuit breaker and protect your important documents upon departure. Thank you for your cooperation and be safe.

Mayor Robert Kennedy

Superstorm Sandy was one of the worst hurricanes ever to hit the Village of Freeport. Her unusually large size, slow movement, and unusual westward track made for a “worst case” scenario with devastating wind damage and unprecedented coastal flooding.

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