Patchogue Residents Prepare to Evacuate

Some residents in evacuation zones in Patchogue have been preparing to leave for higher ground away from the Great South Bay after Brookhaven Town issued a for those that live south of Main Street.

Jennifer Horta who lives just south of this border said that she and her husband will be moving to a friend’s house - just a few blocks north of Main Street. They plan on bringing their cat and dog as well as basic emergency supplies with them.

“We could’ve gone to my parents’ in Manorville but we want to stay close by in case we have to make repairs and we can’t get through on the roads,” Horta said.

East Patchogue resident Brendan Carr and his family recently moved into their residence off of Durkee Lane.

“We haven’t even really moved in yet, let alone storm-proof the place so we have a lot to get done before we leave,” Carr said. “I’m not really worried about the intensity of the storm; I’m more concerned with flooding and the storm surge - we’re only five feet above sea level,” Carr said.

They too plan on evacuating just north of the evacuation zone to a family member’s residence. They will bring with them their three small dogs, canned and boxed food items, fresh water, enough clothing for a few days as well as work-related items such as laptops and cellphones.

Artspace resident Dana Flaherty will most likely evacuate with her daughter to a friend’s house which is closer to Nassau County.

“My biggest concern is the floor-to-ceiling windows in my living room. The whole building is made of glass. I think I’m going to try and tape them over and lower the blinds. This way if anything happens hopefully the damage will be minimal,” Flaherty said.

Jessica McAvoy and her husband will be heading to her mother's house in Moriches; she is just north of their evacuation zone.

"The hardest part is leaving my paintings and drawings behind to be honest. I'm hoping for the best. We haven't had a problem with flooding previously so I'm hoping that we'll be ok," McAvoy said.

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