Hurricane Sandy Update: Sunday, October 28, 12:15 PM
I wanted to provide a further update on the storm and preparations for it. This morning Mayor Bloomberg held a press conference about continuing preparations for Hurricane Sandy. The Mayor issued an evacuation order for low lying "Zone A" areas. In our district, this includes some areas of Hunters Point/Long Island City. Evacuations are to be completed by 7:00 PM tonight.
If you live in Zone A (in orange in the map below), please find shelter in the residence of a friend or relative. If unavailable, the City has set up three evacuation centers close to Long Island City. They are listed below:
Newcomers High School (28-01 41st Ave.)
Aviation High School (45-30 36th St.)
W.C. Bryant High School (48-10 31st Ave.)
Governor Cuomo has announced that MTA service will cease at 7:00 PM today. Please get to where you need to go by 7:00 PM. I will let you know when MTA service should be back up and running.
The beginnings of the storm are expected to reach us late this evening with heavy rains and high winds arrivng later on Monday. If you have not already done so, please pack all emergency supplies you may need and have water and flashlights on hand if they are needed.
We continue to be concerned about flooding and trees falling throughout the district. Please let me know as soon as possible about any downed trees or significant limbs falling.
My staff and I are in the district office and will remain here until it is safe to do so. Please call us at (718) 383-9566 with concerns and continue to email me at jvanbramer@council.nyc.gov as well as reaching out to us via Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jimmyvanbramer) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/jimmyvanbramer).
I will participate in a conference call with the Mayor in a few minutes and will keep everyone updated throughtout the day.
As a reminder, please find some helpful guidelines to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during this storm at the end of this update.
Let's all take this very seriously and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best – better to be prepared than not. Stay safe and I will continue to update you on the storm.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Van Bramer
OEM's Hurricane Guide
To secure your home if a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued:
· Bring inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, 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. If the City Issues an Evacuation Order for Your Area: Evacuate immediately. Use public transportation if possible.
If you are going to an evacuation center, pack lightly, and bring:
· Your Go Bag
· Sleeping bag or bedding
· Required medical supplies or equipment
· Let friends or relatives know where you are going.
What about my pets?
· Make sure your disaster plan addresses what you will do with your pet if a hurricane requires you to leave your home.
· Plan to shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation area.
· Be sure you have supplies ready for your pet in the event of an evacuation, including food, a leash, a muzzle, proof of shots, and a cage or carrier.
Account for your special needs
· Consider your capabilities and make sure your preparedness plan addresses how your special needs affect your ability to evacuate and shelter.
· Determine if you will need assistance and arrange help from friends, family, or neighbors.
· Consider additional supplies and equipment that you may need to bring with you, such as medicine, icepacks, medical devices, and backup equipment. Bring food for your dietary needs.
· Include additional time and evaluate your transportation options.
IF YOU LIVE IN AN EVACUATION ZONE
Prepare A Disaster Plan
Develop a plan with your household members that outlines what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes New York. If you rent your home, renter's insurance will insure the items inside your apartment. If you are a homeowner, make sure your home is properly insured — flood and wind damage are not covered in a basic homeowner's policy.
Know Where You Will Go
The City strongly recommends evacuees stay with friends or family who live outside evacuation zone boundaries. For those who have no other shelter, the City will open hurricane shelters throughout the five boroughs.
To ensure efficient use of resources, the City will ask all evacuees to report to an evacuation center. Once at the evacuation center, evacuees will either be assigned to a hurricane shelter in the same facility or transported to an associated hurricane shelter by bus.
Every household member should have a small Go Bag — a collection of items you may need during an evacuation packed in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack. A Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry.
Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit
You may be instructed to shelter in place (stay at home) during a hurricane. Keep enough supplies in your home to survive for at least three days.
If you do not live in an evacuation zone
All areas of the city could face hurricane-related hazards such as high winds, flooding, tornadoes, and loss of utilities. You may be instructed to shelter in place (stay at home) for several days until the hurricane passes.
If you live in a high-rise apartment building
Residents of high-rise apartment buildings may face special risks from hurricanes even if they live outside evacuation zone boundaries. If you live in a high-rise building outside an evacuation zone, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor. If you live in a high-rise building located in an evacuation zone, heed evacuation orders.