Long Island started 2010 with blizzards, snowstorms, freezing temperatures and in March alone, a Nor'easter with hurricane force winds and a severe rainstorm, both with accompanying flooding and power outages. The March storms resulted in damages to both public and private property. Clean up and restoration costs were staggering, enough for the town, county and state to request a federal disaster declaration.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The March Nor'easter was reminiscent of the last significant hurricane to strike Long Island, Hurricane Gloria on September 27. 1985. That was 25 years ago. Downed trees, wide spread and lengthy power outages, flooding and severe coastal erosion impacted communities through out the northeast. There are some weather professionals that believe that Long Island is well over due for a hurricane. There are those that also believe that we have become complacent when it comes to hurricane season. For those who spent several days or more in the dark or had the sound of chain saws echoing through out their neighborhood for weeks a Nor'easter like a hurricane is a life-altering event. We will all need to learn from this event as we have from other past events. No matter what it is called the potential impact to lives and property are the same.

Hurricane Charlie in 2004 is a case in point. Although the storm was predicted, tracked, and rated, storm trackers following its path could not state with absolute certainty what the storm would do. When Charley struck in early August, vast portions of Florida were devastated. Lives were lost, homes and businesses destroyed, and families shattered. In the aftermath of hurricanes such as Andrew and Hugo, for example, all levels of government, as well as the multifaceted private sector, came together to assist the people and their communities. But the solemn reminders of lost lives and watermarked buildings still remain.

We all remember where we were when Hurricane Katrina wrecked havoc on America's Gulf Coast on the morning of August 29, 2005. Five years later, the region still has not fully recovered. The reminders of the storms deadly path are everywhere. Some communities may never return and others are struggling to come back, one day at a time.

As with Katrina, Hugo, Charlie and Andrew, the March Nor'easter taught us that it is of the utmost importance that all levels of government work together in times of disaster and that we must never let our guard down.

We also learned that relief might not come right away. We all need to be prepared for emergencies: have family evacuation plans, medication, store a minimum 5-7 day supply of non perishable food and bottled water, a GO-KIT, and listen to directions from emergency personnel. Always follow the guidance provided by your local officials. If you are asked to evacuate, do so, it is for your own protection!

While no one can say exactly when a hurricane will return to Long Island, it is everyone's responsibility to be vigilant during hurricane season. Typically, Long Island is considered vulnerable in the later part of the season, September and October, but as we have experienced no hurricane is typical and can occur at anytime. We want all residents, business owners, and visitors to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Be aware, be prepared, and be safe.