News

Southold state of emergency starts Sat. night

TIM KELLY PHOTO

Southold will be under a state of emergency beginning 7 p.m. Saturday and lasting until further notice, the town’s Office of Emergency Management announced Friday afternoon.

All unnecessary travel is prohibited on town roads during a state of emergency. That ban does not apply to emergency response vehicles.

The town will open several shelters at 7 p.m. Satuday, all will be staffed to receive residents. Local fire departments are not town shelters.

Given their storm-related responsibilities, the town police department and area fire departments will not be able to offer evacuation assistance, according to the town.

The shelters will be located at:

*Mattituck High School

*Cutchogue East Elementary School

*Southold High School

*Greenport High School

*Oysterponds Elementary School

*Fishers Island School

Anyone seeking shelter should bring supplies such as medication, blankets, flashlights, water and snacks.

All shelters will be pet-friendly, but all pets should be in a cage or crate and their owners are responsible for bringing food or anything else the animals may need.

In most cases, the safest place to be is at home, town officials said, but those living in flood-prone areas are advised to make a quick decision on whether to seek shelter.

Residents with special needs or who may have questions or concerns can call 852-4900 or 298-4475.

Storm-related information will be available at suffolktimes.com. WLNG, Channel 22 and the town’s website; southoldtown.northfork.net