Hurricane Sandy (Update #8)

Mayor Bloomberg's Press Conference regarding Hurricane Sandy earlier this afternoon.

[Start viewing at 9:20]

 

Stay Prepared and Be Ready!

 

While the forecast still remains uncertain, my office has been in constant contact with New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and other city and state agencies to ensure that we are updated on the progression of the storm and actions being taken to protect our families and neighborhood.

Currently, there is a chance that our community will experience hurricane or tropical storm conditions as early as sunset on Sunday. This storm is different from Hurricane Irene in that it is predicted to gradually build strength as it moves into New York City and we may experience an increasing build up of heavy winds, severe rain, and strong storm surges for several days from Sunday into late Tuesday.

In Rockaway, agencies are already working to prepare and ensure the safety of residents and our beaches. Presently, the Parks Department is mobilizing equipment and personnel to ready the beach for a storm and take action to protect vulnerable areas, including buildings located on the beach, openings in the fascia boards along Shore Front Parkway, the B. 91st St. ramp and the baffle walls in Belle Harbor and Neponsit. Additionally, they will also be placing sand bags around all boardwalk buildings and removing all garbage cans and other non fixed objects on the beach and boardwalk.

I want to thank all the agencies that are hard at work monitoring and preparing for the potential threat and all the residents that have called my office with updates and suggestions.

Now is the time to prepare and take proactive steps to make sure you and your family are ready for any type of weather.

Remember...

1) Check your emergency supply kits and make sure your Go Bags are stocked and ready to go with supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. Also note, this storm has potential to take down trees and power lines.

2) Keep Streets and Catch Basins Clean: A major contributing factor to flooding is a catch basin clogged by garbage or leaves. New Yorkers can do their part by sweeping and cleaning their driveway and the area in front of their property or business of debris such as leaves, paper and general garbage. In addition, City forces staff will be going out to known flooding hot spots through the City over the next few days to inspect and clean catch basins.

3) Protect your property: Please do everything you can to protect your property against flooding. This includes raising or removing valuables and appliances (heaters, TV's, refrigerators, etc) off the ground in basements or low floors. More information is included in the attached brochure.

4) Report Flooding to 311 via phone or on-line: If you experience any flooding or sewer back-ups, please report them to 311, either by calling 311 or going on-line at www.nyc.gov. The City has added additional staff at 311 in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

5) To find out if you live in the hurricane evacuation zone (residents of Hamilton Beach and Rockaway are recommended to check), click here for a map:

Let's hope that the hurricane will track away from New York, but in the event that it doesn't, we must be prepared. Please take every necessary precaution and from my family to yours, please have a safe weekend.

Best,

Phil Goldfeder

Member of Assembly