Local and federal officials hosted a storm preparedness seminar at Brookhaven Town Hall Monday night at the beginning of a hurricane season that forecasters predict to be busier than usual.

For many Long Islanders, images of Hurricane Harvey flooding in Texas invoke painful memories of Superstorm Sandy when it hit here.

"What's important is bringing the community together before a storm hits, so we are prepared as possible," says Rep. Lee Zeldin.

Representatives of FEMA, the NOAA and the Red Cross attended the meeting to give advice. They recommend creating an emergency kit before trouble strikes. It should include water, nonperishable food, a working flashlight and extra batteries and a battery operated radio, they say. Residents should also designate two separate emergency meeting places, one near their home and another outside the neighborhood.

Experts also recommend an out-of-state emergency contact.

Zeldin has also joined other Long Island representatives to pledge support for Harvey survivors.