Dear Lucas,
As you probably know, Tropical Storm Sandy is expected to hit New York City sometime during the next 48 hours.
I encourage you to be prepared and stay informed. For the latest information about an approaching storm, to find out if you should evacuate, or find the nearest shelter - please call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115), access www.NYC.gov, and stay tuned to TV and radio broadcasts.
This link should tell you if you live in an evacuation zone:
gis.nyc.gov/oem/he/index.html
I suggest that you have water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and batteries on hand. You may also want to have cash available. I have been informed that senior centers are currently slated to close early on Monday right after lunch and will remain closed on Tuesday. Stay tuned for info on public schools.
For more detailed information, please keep reading below.
Best,
Councilwoman Jessica Lappin
IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH RISE APARTMENT BUILDING
Residents of high-rise apartment buildings may face risks due to strong winds in excess of 80 mile per hour, and be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
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.
For more information on disaster preparedness and safety tips from the ASPCA, please visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/, or visit their blog for the latest updates at
http://blog.aspca.org/content/how-prepare-your-pets-hurricane-sandy.
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.
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.
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.
To find the location of your evacuation center, use the Evacuation Zone Finder at www.NYC.gov, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115).
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 KitYou 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.