County Executive Robert P. Astorino is urging residents to review their emergency plans and stock necessary supplies so they are prepared if severe weather strikes Westchester during hurricane season.

Astorino also noted that county officials are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Arthur, which is expected to impact Westchester with heavy rainfall in the coming days.

"We are keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Arthur and recommend that all Westchester residents do the same," Astorino said. "It is important to take some simple precautions now to be prepared in case this storm, or any other this hurricane season, brings severe weather to the county."

The National Weather Service currently projects that Tropical Storm Arthur, which has formed in the Atlantic off Florida, could intensify to a hurricane and bring heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding to Westchester on Thursday afternoon through early Friday. The forecast is subject to change and the storm is being closely monitored by the county officials and departments, including the Department of Emergency Services and the Office of Emergency Management.

Astorino noted that major storms in recent years, including Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and Superstorm Sandy, caused severe flooding, downed trees and knocked out power in many communities around Westchester.

The county executive recommended that residents have several days' worth of food, water, medicine and other critical supplies on hand in the event that they are stuck in their homes without power. He also said residents should prepare a "go-bag" in case they are asked to evacuate on short notice during an emergency.

Commissioner John M. Cullen of the Department of Emergency Services (DES) said residents should review their family emergency plan and obtain the supplies they might need now because they are hard to find once a storm strikes.

He said that emergency management officials recommend that people create a disaster preparedness kit that includes: one gallon of water per person per day; a three-day supply of canned, packaged or other foods that do not need refrigeration or need to be cooked; a manual can opener and eating utensils; flashlights and batteries; a first aid kit; and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Food items that can be stored include ready-to-eat canned meats and fish; protein or fruit bars; dry cereal and granola; peanut butter; nuts; crackers and canned fruit juice.

Cullen said families also need to consider what additional preparations may be necessary for persons who have special needs or who care for the elderly, infants or pets. Family members also need to plan for how they will communicate if local phone service is not available or is overwhelmed by high demand.

Practical tips on these and other topics can be found on Be Safe in During Hurricane Season and www.ready.gov.

Astorino said people should also consider joining emergency preparedness and response groups, such as volunteer fire and ambulance departments, and participating in efforts sponsored by not-for-profits, such as The United Way and The Red Cross.

"During the storms in recent years, volunteers provided invaluable help to many in their communities," Astorino said. "In times of crisis, we all need each other."