Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the Town will host hurricane seminars to be conducted by former Town Councilman and avocational meteorologist Leonard B. Symons. They will be held on Wednesday, September 6, at the Massapequa West End Firehouse on Hicksville Rd. (Route 107) and Brooklyn Avenue, and on Thursday, September 7, at the Syosset Fire Department, located at Cold Spring Road and Orchard Street. Both seminars will begin at 7 p.m.

"The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina have only underscored the importance of being prepared locally in the event of a significant storm," Supervisor Venditto said. "As was made clear in New Orleans just last month, it takes only one storm to devastate a community. We all need to know what to do in case a hurricane is headed for our area.

"The purpose of the seminar is to inform residents on how to prepare for a hurricane, when to evacuate, what to do when a storm hits and how to best respond during the aftermath of a hurricane or other severe weather event such as a nor'easter," Supervisor Venditto continued. "Mr. Symons, who has trained at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, will

moderate the seminar, which will also feature several well-respected hurricane experts to discuss important emergency preparedness procedures."

The Supervisor added that many Long Island residents have become complacent because there hasn't been a major hurricane in this area for many years. The horrifying effects of Katrina, which many people have called the nation's deadliest natural disaster since the 1960 San Francisco earthquake, has changed many residents' outlook on hurricane preparedness.

"Hurricanes are one of the most damaging, and potentially deadly, weather events, with nor'easters right behind them," Supervisor Venditto stated. "Both types of storms can have devastating impacts on the economy, but, more important, the human toll can be very high when people aren't prepared. While Long Island has not had a significant hurricane or nor'easter in many years, we should never be complacent. This seminar is a great way to learn from the experts what you need to know to ensure that you and your family will be prepared should a hurricane or nor'easter find its way to Long Island."

For more hurricane safety tips, log onto the Town's website at www.oysterbaytown.com.