Huntington Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and WABC-TV Eyewitness News Meteorologist Bill Evans are teaming up Aug. 18 to host a special briefing on preparing for the 2009 hurricane season.

"Experts tell us it's only matter of time before Long Island is hit with another serious hurricane. With the 2009 hurricane season approaching the months when Long Island has traditionally been affected, all of us need to begin making the preparations that will help us endure a storm and its aftermath," said Supevisor Petrone. "This briefing will help Town residents know what they should be doing now – before it is too late."

            At the briefing, Supervisor Petrone will provide tips on how to prepare for the hurricane season, as well as discuss the state of the art features and benefits of the Town's new Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  Meteorologist Evans will provide an overview of the science of hurricanes and recount some of his experiences with some of the greatest hurricane events in recent history, as well as underscore the need for advance planning. Attendees will also receive a copy of the Town's Hurricane Preparedness Handbook.

The briefing will be held at 2 p.m. at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington. It is open to the public and free.  

Both Supervisor Petrone and Mr, Evans have considerable expertise in hurricanes and hurricane preparedness. As the former Regional Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Supervisor Petrone was instrumental in developing FEMA's Hurricane Preparedness Program and guided federal policy on disaster mitigation plans.  During Hurricane Gloria in 1985, Mr. Petrone managed the Long Island response and  recovery plan for FEMA.  In 2006, the Supervisor was chosen by U.S. Congressman Steve Israel to Co-Chair his Congressional Hurricane Preparedness Group. He was also the featured speaker at a special Hurricane Preparedness seminar at Dowling College.

Mr. Evans is a nationally-known meteorologist based in New York City, and has won 8 Emmy Awards for his entertaining and informative weather reporting. In addition to his television broadcasting duties, he does the weather for RadioDisney, ESPN Radio, WGCH-AM, WPLJ-FM, and appears on ABC radio in major markets throughout the US, as well as filling in on Good Morning America.      As a senior on-air weather personality, Bill has written and produced numerous documentaries on hurricanes and severe weather. In the course of his research, he has flown in "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft during major storms. He was presented with the annual Outstanding Meteorologist Award by the National Weather Service for his research and reporting efforts. His appearances on Good Morning America and Live with Regis and Kelly, as well as national radio reports, have made Evans nationally renowned for his entertaining and energetic weather coverage.  Bill has co-authored two books, "Category 7" and more recently "Frozen Fire."  Both are thrillers centered around hurricanes, with "Category 7" having made the New York Times Bestsellers List.

Persons wishing to attend the briefing are asked to RSVP by calling Carolyn Plante at 351-3253, extension 4000.