Tri-state-area's guide to preparing for Hanna

NEW YORK Crews with the Department of Environmental Protection and Sanitation Department have been clearing the basins and drains since Wednesday.

The cleanings are to preemptively prevent flash flooding caused by the large amount of rain expected.

Extra crews from multiple city agencies are on hand this weekend to deal with any emergencies that are caused by the weather.

The city expects several inches of rain to fall Saturday, and has activated its emergency flash flood plan.

Mayor Bloomberg talked to the Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joe Bruno on Friday morning. Bruno says there will be a limited activation of the Office of Emergency Management today.

Meanwhile, the Suffolk County chapter of the American Red Cross is ready for the storm emergency shelters will open today at 10am in Holbrook and Southampton in addition to other areas. Other Shelters are available to open throughout the region if needed. Volunteers and staff are ready as well as the Emergency Response Vehicles to service any storm or disaster.

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Click here for information from Tri-state and local government agencies.

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Click here for information from area utilities.

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Click here for area cancelations or schedule changes because of Hanna.

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** COAST GUARD URGES MARINERS TO PREPARE FOR TROPICAL STORM**

The Coast Guard is urging mariners to be aware of the potential hazards associated with Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to arrive in the New England area Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008.

Weather conditions are anticipated to deteriorate Saturday afternoon, bringing three to four inches of rainfall Saturday evening with wind 28 to 31 mph, possibly gusting as high as 43 mph.

A flood watch is in effect for portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey and southeast New York from Saturday afternoon through late Saturday evening.

The Coast Guard advises mariners to take the following precautions:

Stay off of the water. The Coast Guard's search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters are urged to heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.

Secure your boat and belongings. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or sustaining damage. Smaller boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who leave their boat in the water are reminded to secure life rings and life jackets. Loose items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure they are not actually people in distress.

Stay clear of beaches and low-lying areas. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by Hanna. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. Residents are encouraged to heed to local evacuation warnings and orders because localized flooding can sometimes be associated with large amounts of rain.

Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hanna through local television, radio and Internet. Mariners can also tune in to VHF radio channel 16 for advisories, warnings and information on the storm's progress.

For information on Hanna's progress, please visit the National Hurricane Center's web page: www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

For more information on hurricane and severe storm preparedness, please visit the U.S. Coast Guard Storm Center at: www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/

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WEB PRODUCED BY: Lakisha Bostick