As we approach the middle of August, pretty soon the Northeastern region of the United States will be feeling the layover effects of hurricane season. We’ve already had major rains this summer and while it may feel hot now, the rains will increase the likelihood of flooding in downstate New York.

Local officials, fire safety, and water rescue are already working to prepare for these heavy rains. Do you know what to do when you get that alert on your phone or social media?

Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett listened in to the Sullivan County Legislative Meeting last month and spoke with John Hauschild Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety and Fire Coordinator for Sullivan County and Chief Nate Routledge of the Roscoe Rockland Fire Department about how alerts are actually given out, understanding the environmental causes of floods, and how we can all be better educated on how to handle them.