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What happens when a U.S. Marine with 20 years of service trades global deployments for go-bags and disaster radios? You get Drew Jennings, founder of Outpost Preparedness, who’s redefining what it means to be ready when life throws you a curvebal or, here in the Hamptons, a hurricane.

From the Battlefield to the Backyard

Drew Jennings, spent the first ten years of his military career in infantry and the next ten in aviation logistics, sourcing global teams and leading through chaos, pandemics included. So, when he says “know your circumstances,” he means it.

Every family is different, he explains: “Some folks have ADA needs, medication, kids, dogs… preparedness looks different for everyone.” His company’s mission is to help people identify their specific vulnerabilities before crisis hits. Because once disaster strikes, whether it’s a coastal storm or a power outage, it’s too late to start Googling “what’s in a go-bag.”

Why the Hamptons Needs to Hear This

Out here on the East End, we like to think we’re insulated from the world’s mess. But anyone who’s lived through a nor’easter knows how quickly isolation, flooded roads, and powerless nights can humble you. Drew’s message hits home:

“Insert early, prepare early,” he says. “If the power goes down, have power there readily available. If the water source is contaminated, have an alternate. That gives first responders time to reach you — and keeps panic from spreading.”

Panic, by the way, is the enemy. Drew Jennings, uses a perfect example: remember the toilet-paper frenzy of 2020? One viral post, and boom, chaos. That’s “herd mentality” in action. “Preparedness prevents that,” he adds.

Beyond Gear: Building Community Resilience

For Drew Jennings,, being prepared isn’t just about survival; it’s about solidarity. If every household has a plan and basic supplies, the entire community stays calmer, stronger, and safer.

“It’s more beneficial for each person to prepare based on their exact circumstances,” he says. “When everyone does that, we prevent chaos. We give our first responders space to do their jobs. We build resilience — together.”

In true Marine fashion, he’s leading by example. Drew and his team represent more than 90 years of combined military experience, personally field-test every kit. They’ve spent 72 hours living solely on what’s inside those bags, proving they actually work. (And yes, he has video proof coming soon.)

The Gear: Confidence in the Bag

Outpost Preparedness currently offers two main kits:

  • The Essential Go Bag ($399 pre-sale) – a 72-hour survival pack with 20-year shelf-life food, 5-year water, solar power bank, flashlight, multi-tool, and a hand-crank radio.
  • The Protector Go Bag ($699 pre-sale) – built for two people, with double the food, water, and extra supplies, the “glamping” version of survival, as Drew puts it.

Every purchase includes a one-on-one consulting session with Drew. “You tell me about your family — medications, pets, kids and I help you design a plan,” he says. Buyers also get digital guides and monthly community Q&As.

And here’s the kicker: if you ever need to use your bag during a real emergency, he’ll replace it for free.

Preparedness Is the New Luxury

In a place like the Hamptons, we plan for everything; from dinner reservations to weekend traffic. But how many of us have actually planned for a blackout or a blocked road after a storm?

Drew Jennings wants to change that. His message isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment. “It’s not about being paranoid,” he says. “It’s about being confident, knowing that your family can endure.”

So maybe the next time you’re stocking up at Citarella, skip the extra Rosé and think about your real essentials; food, water, light, and a plan. Because resilience? That’s the real Hamptons luxury.

Learn more or order a Founders 50 Go Bag: www.outpostprep.com

Real Talk. Real People. Real Prepared.

Hamptons Happenings: Community: Southampton Urges Residents to Sign-Up Emergency Alerts
Town of Southampton
Press Release
Town Urges Residents to Sign-Up
for Notify Me® Emergency Alerts

Dear Neighbors and Visitors:

As a coastal community, we must prepare for any emergency -whether it is a hurricane, fire, flood, or snow storm. An important priority, Southampton Town is constantly improving its own readiness through planning and hands-on exercises, and by coordinating with county, state, and federal agencies.
Recognizing that preparation is our best defense, we have released a new brochure, Be Prepared. (Available in English & Spanish) Updated, handy, and compact, the pamphlet is designed specifically for Southampton residents, with valuable information such as: important telephone numbers, advice on caring for the elderly and those with special needs, ensuring your pet’s safety, protecting your home or business, and assembling a “go bag” and home emergency kit. Pick up your Be Prepared brochure at the following locations:

Southampton Town Hall
Town Senior Centers
Parks & Recreation Office
Village Halls
Chambers of Commerce
Libraries
Southampton Youth Services (SYS)

In addition, citizens can also register for the new CodeRED notification system. CodeRED is now used by local governments, schools, universities and utilities. The CODE RED emergency notification system is an extremely high speed communication service capable of delivering millions of pre-recorded emergency telephone messages per day to Suffolk County homes and businesses. CODE RED also has high speed email and text messaging capability. Participants may register up to two phone numbers and one email address. Adding your contact information will ensure that you will be included when a message is sent. So if you’re wanting to register your elderly family members to the alert notifications, look into senior ease of use phones, if you were to look here, such phones still exist, then register the given number to CodeRED.

You are encouraged to use these new resources to assist you in keeping you and your family safe. With improved technology and better tracking, we now have the means to obtain advance notification of severe weather events, regional emergencies, and how best to prepare for them. CodeRED-Logo_thumb-2

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Town’s Citizens’ Response Center (CRC) at (631) 702-2440, or contact the Emergency Management Office at (631) 728-3400.
Anna Throne-Holst, Supervisor
SOUTHAMPTON TOWN NOTIFICATIONS

The Town’s Citizens’ Response Center (CRC)
can now provide “followers” and “friends” with real time updates about emergencies and important events. These notices will include public service announcements, notifications about road closures, extreme traffic situations, as well as other important information.

To sign up for CODE RED, click here
CODE RED is a free and secure service offered by the Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) that can provide you with important information in times of emergency, including the threat of severe weather.

Data collected will only be used for emergency notification purposes. For more information, or to sign up over the phone, please contact the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management during regular business hours at (631) 852-4900.

Facts about CODE RED:

· If a call is not answered, CODE RED will deliver the message in its entirety to voicemail and answering devices.

· CODE RED messages can be delivered in text format to the hearing impaired via TTY/TDD equipment.

· Message recipients may dial the toll-free number displayed on their Caller ID to hear the last CODE RED message delivered to that phone number.

· When you receive a call from CODE RED, your caller ID will show that the call is coming from (866) 419-5000 and the caller will be Emergency Communications.

In the Know” Hamptons Emergency Care InformationGreetings Mouthpiece Readers in continuing to keep you in the know, being in an unfamiliar place when traveling can be scary if a medical emergency arises . How many times have you visited an area and  you or a member of your family gets ill and need to seek emergency medical attention? I suppose your first choice is to visit the emergency room if you are in the Hamptons, but my friends there are alternatives if this is not life threatening emergency. There are walk-in Medical Centers in various areas in the Hamptons.

 Wainscott: Wainscott Walk In Medical Care: 
Wainscott Walk-In Medical Care is a privately owned business that services patients of all ages. The practice currently includes founder, Dr. Blake Kerr, as well as Dr. Ilona Polak and Pediatrician, Dr. Michael Schessel.
Please call the office for insurance information
 83 Wainscott Northwest Rd, Wainscott, NY 11975
Phone:(631) 537-1892**hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Sat: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

 Walk In Medical CAre new signEast Hampton, NY:  East Hampton Walk-In Medical Care

Quality Urgent Medical Care In East Hampton
470 Montauk Hwy.
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 329-5900
Summer Hours*
Monday through Friday – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday – 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday – 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Fall Hours
Friday through Monday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Current Insurances: Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Empire Plan (NYSHIP)
Island Group Administration, Medicare, United Healthcare/Oxford
http://easthamptonwalk-in.com

Southampton:  Dr. Mark R. Kot, MD

Southampton Urgent Medical Care is a family practice that specializes in the treatment of minor injuries and also offers flu shots. The practicing physician at the office is Dr. Mark Kot. Walk-ins are welcome. 
Dr. Kot accepts the following insurances: Anthem Blue Cross PPO
Empire Plan NYSHIP, Empire PPO / EPO / Indemnity Plans, Island Group Administration, MEDICARE,
TriCare (Military Service Personnel)
 609 Hampton Rd, Southampton, NY 11968
Phone:(631) 204-9600 Hours: 9a-6pm (call for days)

*IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911*Emergency-web

Southampton Hospital: 

240 Meeting House LaneSouthampton, NY 11968
Emergency Medical Services
Southampton Hospital is in partnership with the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations throughout Long Island’s South Fork. These volunteer organizations perform a vital, often life-saving service to residents and visitors, providing advanced life support delivered by paramedics 24 hours a day. These trained and experienced volunteers often improve the outcome before a patient arrives at the Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Local EMS Agencies

Amagansett Fire Department – Ambulance 
East Hampton Village Ambulance
Montauk Fire Department – Ambulance 
Springs Fire Department – Ambulance 
Bridgehampton Fire Department – Ambulance 
East Quogue Fire Department – Ambulance 
Flanders-Northampton Volunteer Ambulance
Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance 
Sag Harbor Volunteer Ambulance 
Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance 
Southampton Volunteer Ambulance 
Westhampton War Memorial Volunteer Ambulance 

1300 Roanoke Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631-548-6000
info@pbmedicalcenter.org
The largest hospital on Long Island’s East End, PBMC Health is a comprehensive continuum of services and providers dedicated to serving the full range of healthcare and wellness needs of the families and communities of Eastern Suffolk County and all of Long Island.

In the Know: Cold Weather Safety TipsGreetings Hamptons Mouthpiece readers…here are some tips for staying warm this winter.

COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Tips for Staying Warm

Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.

• Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
• Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
• Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
• Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.IMG_1455

Seniors, infants, the homeless, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk. If you know of friends, neighbors, or family members who may be at risk check on them to make sure their heat is working and that they are okay.

Helping Others

Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite:

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where body temperature is abnormally low. Symptoms may include shivering, slurred speech, sluggishness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, confusion, dizziness, and shallow breathing.

Frostbite is a serious injury to a body part frozen from exposure to the cold. It most often affects extremities like fingers and toes or exposed areas such as ears or parts of the face. Redness and pain may be the first warning of frostbite. Other symptoms include numbness or skin that appears pale, firm, or waxy.

Provide first aid:

• If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, bring him or her someplace warm and call 911.
• If medical help is not immediately available, re-warm the person, by removing any damp clothing and covering them with warm blankets.

SAFE HOME HEATING TIPS

Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely. Green Horizon One Hour Heating And Air Conditioning is the perfect solution as they will help you to make sure your home is ready for all weathers, and will install the relevant equipment safely.

If your home experiences frequent heating issues you may want to upgrade your heating system to include a heat pump. To learn more about how installing a heat pump could improve your home heating and also reduce you energy bills this winter, check out this guide to heat pumps.

During terrible weather, you should always give regular checks to the structure of your house, if you find your roof has taken a huge hit with extreme weather, it is best to get it checked and fixed by storm damage roofers (in the instance of a storm happening) to ensure you’re kept safe during these months.

Fire safety tips:

•Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use.
•Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. NEVER drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
•Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.
•Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.
•Make sure you have a working smoke detector in every room. Check and change batteries often.
Carbon monoxide safety tips:
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working. NYC law requires owners to provide and install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room.
•Make sure your heating system is kept clean and properly vented; have worn or defective parts replaced.
•Kerosene heaters are dangerous and illegal in New York City.
• Don’t heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
•Do not use any gas-powered appliance, charcoal grill, or hibachi indoors.
•Open your garage door before starting your car and do not leave the motor running in an enclosed area. Clear exhaust pipes before starting a car or truck after it snows.
•The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache. However, symptoms may also include dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, people can become increasingly irritable, agitated and confused, eventually becoming lethargic and lapsing into unconsciousness.
•If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911, and get the victim to fresh air immediately, and open windows.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about cold weather safety and how you can prepare for emergencies call 311 or visit

Suffolk County: www.suffolkcountyny.gov
NYC: www.nyc.gov/oem
Nassau County: www.nassaucountyny.gov

Hamptons MouthPiece; Could Hurricane Sandy be the worst Hurricane to hit New York? The state of New York is gearing up and getting prepared for Hurricane Sandy….many areas have been declared a State of emergency, airline flights have been cancelled, all schools have been cancelled, all NYC subways, LIRR and the Metro North are closed today. Long Island is under a state of Emergency for the next 24 hours…In some areas in Long Island there are areas that are already experiencing flooding like Lindenhurst, Long Beach and Port Jefferson…There are mandatory evacuation in areas like Riverhead, Westhampton, Southampton…High Tide in Long Island is between 6a-11am and again 7pm-11pm….many homes on the water, you may to consider evacuating before it gets bad because if you wait out the storm someone may not be able to get to you.
It’s interesting I have heard on the news about many families having to evacuate their homes and you never really think that could be you, but it might be my family today and that is very scary. I however am a realist and I know when it is time to go and keep my family safe…It is not easy having to evacuate your home, so many things you want to take with you, but you can’t and you have to choose what is necessary and most important.The rain is the least of our problems in Long Island…our problem is the long period of strong easterly winds..record breaking storm surge tides 5-12 feet and beach erosion waves 15-25 feet

High Tide times for today in the East end.. Montauk Point 905am and 928pm…Moriches Inlet.. 704am and 725pm…Mattituk Inlet 1133am…stay tuned for updates throughout the day..Now until noon winds 25-35 G 40-60 Coastal flooding Noon until 8pm Hurricane wind gusts 75+ mph, power outages, coastal flooding and 8pm-6am Tuesday dangerous winds, severe flooding, beach erosion, power outages..

East Hampton Town will open an evacuation center at East Hampton High School, opened today at Monday at 8 a.m.??The East Hampton Village Emergency Operations Center will open at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon and can be reached by calling 324-0945.
  • Two shelter locations are available in Southampton Town, including at Hampton Bays High School at 88 Argonne Road and at Riverhead High School at 600 Harrison Avenue in Riverhead.??The eastern campus of Suffolk County Community College at 121 Speonk-Riverhead Road in Speonk is a pet friendly shelter in Southampton Town.??In Sag Harbor, the village does have shelter capability at the Pierson Middle-High School, and it is open for residents who needed to evacuate their homes.?Sag Harbor Mayor Gilbride urged people in low lying areas to evacuate to higher ground. Emergency service providers, he noted, will likely be overwhelmed with calls during the storm and would prefer if people made precautionary arrangements to seek safer ground before the storm becomes too severe.
  • ??If you are going to a shelter, you are advised to bring a blanket, pillow, medicine, snacks, bottled water, reading materials, flashlights, extra batteries and make sure someone knows where you are going.
Here is some Key information and storm kit
POWER OUTAGES
Outages should be reported by calling 800-490-0075, online at liaccount.com/outage/Report or by texting OUT to 695472.
NATIONAL GRID
Gas leaks on Long Island should be reported to 800-490-0045.
BEFORE THE STORM HITS
* Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
* Learn evacuation routes.
* Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
* Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts (with the assistance of companies similar to https://divisionkangaroof.com/).
* Cover your home’s windows, either with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood at least five-eighths of an inch thick.
* Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
FEMA recommends preparing a disaster kit that includes:
* Three-day supply of nonperishable food
* Three-day supply of water — 1 gallon of water per person per day
* Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Sanitation and hygiene items, such as moist towelettes and toilet paper
* Matches and waterproof container
* Whistle
* Extra clothing
* Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a hand-operated can opener
* Photocopies of credit and identification cards
* Cash and coins
* Special-needs items, such as prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solutions and hearing aid batteries
* Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers
* Other items to meet your family’s needs
ALSO
* Fill up vehicles with fuel
* Listen to local officials
* Pick people to call who are on and off the Island in case you become separated from family members.
* Never use portable generators indoors, in garages or near open windows.
If the winds pick up 60-70 miles all bridges will be closed…
If you loose your power you can expect to loose power for 7-10 days…
LIPA Outages 800-490-0075

As of 2pm today 10/29/12 the Governor just announce that the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel will be closing.

Hope this helps…In the Hamptons currently we are experiencing high winds, but no flooding yet, but we are bracing ourselves for strong winds, strong gusts and high tides….My photographer husband went to Long Beach in Sag Harbor to take some photos and a small video guess he did not hear the Governor say you do not need to be going to the beach to take photos.. He came back saying I think we need to consider leaving because I have never seen Long Beach like this.

He said he was nearly knocked over by 50 mph wind and said it was crazy scary. The beach has been eroded and the tide is definitely high. The Hamptons is full of very tall trees and I fear these trees being knocked over and falling on power lines preventing you from evacuating your area. There are advantages living near the beach and ocean but in times like this it really is a disadvantage. My advice to you my readers if you live in low lying flood prone areas please do not risk it. If you can go some place safe then I would suggest you do. In the aftermath of the storm, it is expected that many homes will need repairing and some people are already seeking the help of professsionals. You can go to this page if you are looking for roofing services. Sometimes damage can be extensive, affecting other things as well as the roofing, like the plumbing and the electricity. Flood damage can mean you have to rewire your home if it’s that bad. Fortunately, it’s straightforward to find an electrician online at sites similar to https://hometeamelectric.com/city-page/yucca-valley/, where someone might be able to offer advice and a practical solution. As for problems like your plumbing, hopefully, flood damage wouldn’t be too extensive. However, the occasional pipe can burst and if you don’t get it fixed quickly, it could turn into a nightmare. You can take a look at an example of a plumbing repair service by clicking here.

As always Hamptons Mouthpiece keeping you in the know….Please be safe today, stay off the roads…The governor suggest that you not take this storm lightly, the surge will be bad. For news up to the minute in Long Island I recommend News 12…if you loose power you can get updates 646-273-1212 and they also stream online on your mobile devices…www.news12.com

(photo & video 1 courtsey Kurt. H. Leggard)