LIPA strongly encourages all Long Islanders to participate in the emergency drill and become a winner in more ways than one. What if a major storm or other emergency situation happens on Long Island? What would you do? Are you ready? Check LIPA's Web site www.lipower.org between noon and 3p.m. on Friday, June 2 and complete the "I'm Prepared" Survey. The first 200 LIPA customers to submit their survey will receive a FREE Emergency Preparedness Starter Kit.

In addition, the first 500 LIPA customers who complete and submit the survey will receive a DVD copy of our "Be Prepared: Plan Now". All customers completing the survey will automatically be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a portable home generator.

"People with pets will want to take part in the LIPA drill on June 2nd because it's a perfect opportunity for us to put our own emergency plans into action to see how we'd fare in an actual emergency," said Nancy Lynch of the Pet Safe Coalition, Inc. "We know that companion animals have a better chance of surviving emergencies if they're with their owners in a familiar, safe environment. What to do?

Contact relatives and friends outside of your immediate area and ask them to cooperate with you as you walk through the steps of an evacuation. Make sure your pets are wearing proper ID. Secure crates or carriers for each pet and get your "go kit" together now with a ten-day supply of pet food, water, medicine and medical records."

Have ready a waterproof pet evacuation kit containing enough food and water for a week as well as cleanup supplies. The kit should be packed with your personal items. Be sure to also bring along a recent photo of your dog or cat in the event you become separated.

Be sure you have a "Pets Inside" sticker on the front and back door of your home in case you are away when disaster strikes.

Keep a list of pet friendly hotels or pet friendly relatives located outside your immediate area. Make plans as soon as you know a major storm is forecast. If you know you cannot take your pet with you, make boarding arrangements ahead of time with a local shelter or veterinarian.

In 2004 LIPA produced a DVD, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, entitled, "Be Prepared: Plan Now!" The six-minute presentation provides a suggested action plan to follow in order to begin the emergency planning process. The DVD is available at all Nassau and Suffolk County libraries as well as libraries on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.

LIPA and the American Red Cross suggest having the following items in your home or businesses "Go Kit" to last three to five days:

one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries First Aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air

Moist towelettes for sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off burst water utilities facilities

Manual can opener for food

Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place, if instructed to be used by authorities Infant formula and diapers for infant care

Garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation needs

The business community should carefully review their emergency response procedures and go through the steps of a potential crisis and then plan the company's response at each step in the process. Issues to consider should include:

Notifying emergency and rescue services, including police, fire, emergency medical technicians and other health care professionals. Communicating with media.

Communicating with employees' families.

Communicating with vendors, customers, other third-parties and the public.

Safeguarding personnel, including means to evacuate employees, if necessary.

Providing first aid and other emergency medical treatment.

Safeguarding critical records, documents, equipment, inventory and other physical assets.

Preserving computer records.

Preserving telephone records and voicemail messages.

Maintaining safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and sprinklers.

Coordinating repairs with insurance carriers and state/local governments.

Obtaining temporary use of alternative equipment or facilities while making repairs.

For additional information and further suggestions, visit LIPA's Web site at www.lipower.org, or SEMO at www.nysemo.state.ny.us, or the Red Cross at www.redcross.org. Extensive emergency planning information and links to important weather and emergency information sites can be obtained at these Web sites.