Message from Assemblyman Goldfeder

Mandatory evacuation for Zone A, including Rockaway, Broad Channel and Hamilton Beach Residents

We expect the storm to reach our city early Monday, with the peak of the storm arriving later in the day. While it is not likely to produce significant rainfall, sustained winds from 40-60 miles per hour with gusts up to 70 mph and moderate to severe storm surge of 6 to 11 feet are predicted over an extended period of time. Winds are expected to pick up very early Monday morning, with the most intense period of wind and elevated water levels occurring from mid-day Monday through Tuesday afternoon.

At this time there is a mandatory evacuation for Rockaway, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach and for any residents who live in Zone A. To find if you live in Zone A click here. If you are concerned about the impact of flooding or power outages on your home and would like to seek shelter elsewhere, there are currently 72 city shelters already available throughout the boroughs and they will remain open for the duration of the storm. Below is a list of the storm shelter/evacuation center near you or click here for a full list from the OEM website:

As you know, this is a serious and dangerous storm.

At 7.p.m. tonight the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin to orderly suspend of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service including the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. People should stay off the roads as much as possible. Conditions may become dangerous, and any traffic would impede our emergency services.

Evacuation Zones near you:

YORK COLLEGE
94-20 GUY R BREWER BLVD
QUEENS 11433

JOHN ADAMS HS - Q
101-01 ROCKAWAY BLVD
OZONE PARK 11417

P.S. 108 - QUEENS
108-10 109 AVENUE
S. OZONE PARK 11420

P.S. 117 - QUEENS
85-15 143RD STREET
JAMAICA 11435

MARTIN VAN BUREN HS - Q
230-17 HILLSIDE AVENUE
QUEENS VILLAGE 11427

I.S. 109 - QUEENS
213-10 92 AVENUE
QUEENS VILLAGE 11428

HILLCREST HS - Q
160-05 HIGHLAND AVENUE
JAMAICA 11432

These facilities are open to anyone who needs them, will provide a safe
place to sleep, and will have food. Pets are welcome.

All shelters have at least one entrance usable for wheelchairs. More
information is available via 311, the OEM website and the Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities website, both of which will also provide
information about accessible transportation.

Schools:
ALL public schools are closed on Monday.

Healthcare Facilities:
Yesterday the city recommended that healthcare, nursing, and acute care facilities in low-lying areas take steps in preparation for the storm. These recommendations include halting new admissions, discharging those patients who can leave, and making arrangements for those who need to remain in care.

Parks and Beaches:
All city parks will close at 5pm today (Sunday.)
Any events scheduled in parks today will conclude at 2pm.
Please emphasize to your constituents that going to parks and
beaches during the storm will be very dangerous. Falling tree branches and
strong ocean currents will be constant threats.

Construction:
The Department of Buildings has mandated that all outdoor
construction be suspended as of 5pm today.

Staying Safe and Being Prepared:
All New Yorkers are encouraged to stock up on necessary supplies. A guide for storm preparations can be found here. During the storm flying debris will be a risk. People should stay
away from windows and draw their shades.

Staying Informed
· For the latest updates on the storm, New Yorkers can:
o Visit the NYC Severe Weather site on NYC.gov
o Follow @nycmayorsoffice Twitter
o Sign up for notifications from Notify NYC

We will continue to update you as the storm progresses.

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