Residents and business owners across Long Island will be encouraged to participate in what has been billed as a first-ever islandwide drill next week to test emergency response preparations in the event of a blackout, terrorist attack or natural disaster, Gov. George Pataki said Thursday. Coordinated by the Long Island Power Authority and the state’s Emergency Management office, the drill next Thursday will include fire departments from across the island, as well as the emergency management personnel from both Nassau and Suffolk counties, and New York City. LIPA officials are asking customers to cut their electric use between noon and 3 p.m. on that day to simulate conditions that might happen after a hurricane or during a blackout. “The drill will help highlight individual emergency planning and raise awareness about how preparation can help protect families and businesses in emergency situations,” Pataki said. Full Story