The hurricane season began June 1, and the press conference was held a day after Tropical Storm Chantal formed in the Atlantic and headed toward the Caribbean. Red Cross officials said that while it is impossible to predict whether Long Island will be impacted by a dangerous coastal storm this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, this year’s season is forecast to be extremely active, with 13 to 20 named storms.

“The season runs through November, and it’s very important that residents not only here in Long Beach but throughout Long Island are prepared,” Miller said.

He added that a recent Red Cross survey showed that despite Sandy’s devastation, many coastal residents in New York and New Jersey have not taken the necessary actions to prepare. “We know all too well that preparedness saves lives, and to learn that too few have taken steps is disconcerting,” Miller said. “Yet one of the things we learned from the poll was that nine out of 10 would feel safer if they had a disaster kit and a plan in place — and programs like this help accomplish that.”

Be Red Cross Ready training is also available to other communities across Long Island. To learn more, contact the American Red Cross on Long Island at (516) 747-3500.