HURRICANE TIPS FROM COUNCILMEMBER BRAD LANDER

From Councilmember Brad Lander:

While forecasts are still uncertain, there is a strong possibility that Hurricane Irene will hit New York City this weekend, probably beginning late Saturday night and continuing into Sunday. The sooner you can prepare for this possibility, the better. In this email and on my website (http://bradlander.com/hurricane), I have compiled resources from city agencies and utilities to help you prepare for and respond to the storm.

Also on my website, you can use the Hurricane Irene Report Form to inform my staff of problems on the streets of your neighborhood stemming from the hurricane.   I will use the information you provide to help me work with City officials to address downed tree limbs, clogged storm drains, and other problems.

Stay safe this weekend.

Brad 

Know Your Evacuation Zone
If you live near Red Hook or the Gowanus Canal, you may be in a hurricane evacuation zone. Please visit the NYC Office of Emergency Management’s evacuation zone website to be sure (you can also view the evacuation map of this City Council district on my website). Evacuation centers close to our neighborhoods include:

• John Jay High School: 7th Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets
• NYC Technical College: Jay Street between Johnson and Tillary Streets 
• Brooklyn Tech High School: Fort Greene Place between Dekalb Avenue and Fulton Street 
• PS 249: Rugby Road between Cortelyou and Beverley Roads 
• IS 187: 65th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues  

Many hospitals, senior centers, and nursing homes in low-lying areas are already being evacuated and at 8 A.M. on Saturday the mayor will be deciding whether to order a general evacuation of any evacuation zones (again, find out if you are in an evacuation zone here).

Plan Ahead

As you plan for this weekend, remember that the MTA may shut down subway and bus service, as early as Saturday afternoon. Check http://mta.info for updates.

Check-In On Others

And please, think about your friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled, who may need your help evacuating or preparing for the storm. If you can, please offer your home as a place for shelter.

Be Prepared

Secure Your Home

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that will be unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks. Turn off propane tanks.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Place valuables in waterproof containers or plastic bags.

Help Others Prepare

• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially those with disabilities or special needs, and assist them with their preparation and evacuation.
• If you live outside an evacuation zone, offer to shelter family and friends who may need to evacuate.

If Asked to Evacuate, Do So Immediately

• The City will communicate specific instructions about which areas of the city should evacuate through local media.
• Use public transportation if possible.

If you are going to an evacuation center, pack lightly, and bring:

• The recommended items for a "Go Bag."
• Sleeping bag or bedding.
• Required medical supplies or equipment.
• Let friends or relatives know where you are going.

Additional Hurricane Emergency Resources

New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM):

• OEM is recommending that you stay tuned-in, via TV and radio news, the OEM website, or by calling 311.
• Office of Emergency Management homepage
• Find out if your home is in the hurricane evacuation zone
• Prepare your Emergency Supply Kit

MTA:

• Check the MTA website for updates on subway and bus service impacts from the storm

Con Ed:

• Report any power outages to Con Ed at 1-800-75-CONED