NYC Councilman Brad Lander Sets Up Hurricane Website

The following email was sent by NYC Councilman Brad Lander to YWN:

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’sevacuation 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: