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Hurricanes and Coastal Storms
A hurricane is a violent area of low pressure forming in the tropical Atlantic Ocean from June to November. August and September are peak months. (Similar Western Pacific Ocean storms are called typhoons.) Hurricanes have winds of 75 miles per hour or more and are accompanied by torrential rains and—along coastal areas—a storm surge. Although coastal storms may have hurricane-force winds and may cause similar kinds and amounts of damage, they are not classified as hurricanes because they do not originate in the tropics. Coastal storms typically form along the east coast from December through March.
The accompanying heavy rains can inundate coastal areas and inland communities, presenting another risk to life and property.
Hurricane Classifications
The greatest likelihood of a hurricane striking land is along the Gulf Coast and the southeastern seaboard. However, hurricanes have also hit central Pennsylvania and the coasts of New Jersey, New York, and New England. Each year approximately 10 “storm-strength” weather disturbances are detected in the North Atlantic. Of these, half may grow to hurricane proportion. Two hurricanes are likely to strike the U.S. coast each year. Nearly 100 million Americans are at risk from hurricanes. Specifically: § Almost 14 million live in the area where winds greater than 125 mph have been recorded (i.e., the tip of Florida to the North Carolina coast). § More than 6 million live in storm surge areas. Although deaths from hurricanes are decreasing as hurricane warning systems improve, property damage is on the rise. Many people do not realize the threat that hurricanes can present—even if they live in hurricane-prone areas—because they have not experienced a “major” hurricane. There are certain preparations that people who live in high-risk areas should take to prepare for a hurricane or coastal storm before one occurs. The following are preparations: § Know the risk and evacuation routes. Being aware of the risk and how to get out of the area as quickly as possible should an evacuation order be issued is one of the key preparedness steps to take. Driving the evacuation routes to ensure familiarity before a storm and identifying shelter locations will make an evacuation smoother. § Develop an action plan. When will you begin preparing your home for possible high winds and storm surge? How much time will it take you to evacuate, if necessary? Does your evacuation route change based on the direction of the storm? Will you go to a shelter or a hotel? These are all questions that anyone who lives in a high-risk area should answer as part of hurricane or coastal storm planning. § Secure needed supplies. If you assemble your disaster supply kits as suggested in this unit, you will have everything that you need for hurricane and coastal storm preparedness.
Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder
Ready New York Coastal Storm FAQs
SHELTER
How can I keep my family together, will they be split up and moved to another location? The City will have family reunification areas set up in each evacuation center so that family members can reunite with one another before going on to a shelter. Should you need to move on from an evacuation center to a shelter, you will be able to put your name in a book with a message so that any family members arriving later can request to be brought to your shelter. We do recommend, however, that when evacuating, families do so together to ensure that everyone remains together. We recommend that you create a family/household communication plan and have extra cell phone batteries so you all can stay in contact.
What if the shelter where my family member is located becomes full? Shelters are capped before full capacity to allow for the reunification of family members.
What is the “solar system”? A Solar System is simply the term used to describe the layout of the evacuation process. At the center is the evacuation center, where all of the evacuees first go to be processed, and surrounding it are the 7-12 corresponding shelters in the area that are opened accordingly when people are sent to them from the center.
Why do I have to go to Evacuation Center and then a shelter? Why can’t I go straight to the shelter? Not all shelters will necessarily be opened, depending on the number of evacuees, so we want to ensure that only the necessary number of shelters are staffed and opened. By going to an evacuation center first, it ensures that people will not arrive at a shelter that will remain closed. Evacuees should focus on Evacuation Centers.
Where are the hurricane evacuation shelters located? There are over 500 shelters in the 5 boroughs (such as schools, colleges, etc). The locations of these shelters will be announced at the evacuation center. This is to make sure that people do not arrive at a shelter that will not be opened or at a shelter that is past full capacity. The evacuation center will process evacuees and distribute people accordingly.
Who will provide safety at the shelter? NYPD will be stationed at every shelter.
What can I bring to the shelter? You should bring items that make you comfortable and self-sustainable. This means everything that you would need for a 2-day period other than food and water. Some of these items include: § Sleeping bag § Pillow § Toiletries and Hygiene Products § Medication § Books § Playing Cards § CD Players § Coloring books and toys for children Please keep in mind these things should fit in a backpack.
EVACUATION I don’t want to go to a shelter, where should I evacuate to? If you don’t want to go to a shelter, you should make arrangements before a coastal storm situation to go to friends or family outside the surge zone, or select a hotel/motel.
How much time will I have before an evacuation is ordered? This will depend on the storm forecast, but you may have up to 48 hours notice.
When is the evacuation stopped? The evacuation is stopped before the arrival of hazards such as tropical storm winds (35 – 37mph winds) and heavy rain.
Can we be evacuated by water or air? During evacuation out of the surge areas and prior to the pre-landfall hazard arrival, all major railroad and bus services will be operating and we do not anticipate that evacuation by water or air would be required.
If I live in a high-rise building, will I need to evacuate? This is covered in the RNY Hurricane brochure—residents who live above the 10th floor are encouraged to seek shelter below the 10th floor level, even if there is no need for them to evacuate.
Do building managers have evacuation or sheltering plans? It will depend upon the building.
How do I know if I have to evacuate? Evacuation information will be announced through the media and will be available through 311 and the City’s website.
TRANSPORTATION Nassau County evacuation routes are on arteries that cross into NYC, what are we going to do to keep traffic moving? We are aware that Long Island evacuees using personal vehicles would be sharing the same roadways that we are planning to use for the evacuation of NYC residents and we anticipate large traffic volumes. The key to a successful evacuation is that the traffic keeps moving along these roads. We have developed plans to achieve this and ensure continuous traffic flow. Our efforts will include: § Posting traffic control personnel along major roadways § Pre-positioning tow trucks to remove broken down vehicles § Changing signal timing to favor outbound traffic § Implementing snow emergency regulations to restrict on-street parking on major roads and thus increasing their capacity § Shutting down all non-emergency roadway maintenance and construction work.
When will subways and buses stop running? Subways and buses will stop running 6-8 hours prior to the arrival of pre-landfall hazards, such as high winds and flooding to secure equipment and ensure the safety of transit workers. However, we anticipate that the order to evacuate vulnerable areas would be issued well in advance of bus and subway operation termination to ensure that anyone who needs to use mass transit for evacuation will have enough time to do so.
What transportation will be available and will it be free during the evacuation? All mass transit services will be running on their regular routes to support evacuation to friends & family and to hotels/motels within and outside the City for as long as it is safe to continue operating. This includes: § MTA buses § Subways § PATH and New Jersey Transit Trains § Long Island Railroad § Metro North Railroad § Amtrak The possible waiving of transit fares during evacuation is still being debated. However, you can be assured that any decision in this regard will be made after carefully analyzing the developing situation and keeping the public interest in mind
Will the subways become flooded? Some of the underground subway stations are vulnerable to flooding. Subway service at these stations would be terminated before the arrival of any such hazard.
SPECIAL NEEDS What is a special medical needs shelter (SMNS)? A Special Medical Needs (SMN) Shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition is such that it exceeds the capabilities of a Hurricane Shelter, but it is not severe enough to require hospitalization or placement in a nursing home.
If I have a medical need will I have to go to a SMNS? Not necessarily. There is triage at every evacuation center. You can be evaluated to see if you can go to a general center, if you should go to a SMNS, or if you require significant medical care, a hospital.
If I go to an SMNS, can my family members come too? Absolutely. SMNSs are co-located with general shelters. You may not be sleeping in the same area, but you will be very near each other and your family members can visit you and spend time with you.
Where are the SMNS located? There are 8 SMNSs located in the 5 boroughs. We do not release the locations of them for the same reasons that we do not release the location of the general shelters. We want to make sure people do not arrive at closed or full shelters.
What services are available at the SMNS? Staff at the Special Medical Needs shelter will perform minimal medical and nursing services such as: § First Aid services § Medical assessment § Stabilization § Monitoring § Treatment The Special Medical Needs Shelter is not meant to replace care provide in an emergency room, nursing home or hospital.
Is there a Special Needs Registry? At this time, the City does not maintain a “voluntary special needs registry” but rather a “Special Needs Advance Warning System for Coastal Storms”. This is a growing coalition of government and non-governmental agencies and organizations that regularly provide services to the special needs population. OEM will coordinate the dissemination of advance warning alerts to the relevant individuals.
Why doesn’t the City use a Special Needs Registry? For a registry to be operational, resources must be available to continuously update and maintain it. An out of date registry wastes resources and can even put people in danger. To encourage the creation of a voluntary special needs registry, people must understand it and participate in it. This has proved to be a slow and difficult process in other jurisdictions such as Miami-Dade county. Some individuals who need assistance may also feel uncomfortable sharing sensitive information with a government entity.
How do you get the homebound out? The City is working with relevant agencies such as DFTA, among others, to use an advanced warning system so that the agencies will have adequate time to assist in the evacuation of the homebound.
How do you get the elderly out during an evacuation? Many elderly are capable of traveling to an evacuation center on their own. Should they be homebound, they will be taken care of in the same manner as other homebound residents.
Do hospitals and nursing homes have evacuation plans? Yes. All hospitals and nursing homes are required to have emergency plans, including evacuation plans. The City has reviewed their plans and we monitor them during evacuations.
What if my family’s hospital or nursing home is in a hurricane evacuation zone? The City provides advance notification to hospitals, nursing homes in flood zones. We also recommend that you update contact information at the facility so if someone needs to be moved, you can remain in contact with the staff and more importantly your relative.
PETS What plans can I make to ensure my pet’s safety? Assemble a Go Bag for your pet and make a plan for them ahead of time. Having a plan for your pet is as important as having a plan for any other family member. OEM is also coming out with a Ready New York preparedness guide for pets in September.
Are pets allowed in shelters? The City will make sheltering options available for people with legal pets who cannot find shelter anywhere else. Evacuees bring pets to shelters must bring: § Food and water § Supplies for waste and clean up § Cage or muzzle § Proof of vaccinations. They will be kept in a separate location with other pets, away from common shelter areas, and away from all food areas. Pet owners will only be allowed to visit with their animals at certain times and will be responsible for their care including food, walks, and clean-up. There are no designated veterinarians.
Are pets allowed on mass-transit? Pets in carriers are allowed on MTA subways, buses and trains. When an evacuation order is declared, legal pets too large for carriers will also be allowed provided those animals are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash.
PUBLIC SAFETY Who is going to protect my home and property if I have to evacuate? NYPD personnel will be deployed for as long as is possible in evacuation zones.
Who will protect against looting? NYPD
How will the police respond? The NYPD will respond as they do every day to emergency incidents.
Will people walk off the job like in Louisiana? New York City employees have a long history of responding to emergencies, such as 9/11.
HOUSEHOLD How do I protect my home? Make sure your home is covered by flood insurance if you live in an inundation zone.
What materials should I stock up on? Water, food, and other materials listed in the Emergency Supply Kit list in your Ready New York Guide.
Where can I get information about insurance for my home? The NY State Insurance Department can provide you with information about insuring your home: Website: http://www.ins.state.ny.us/csmstorm.htm Phone: (212) 480-5568
If I don't live in a storm surge zone, will I experience any hazards from the hurricane? If you do not live in a flood zone, you may still experience significant wind damage. If you receive wind damage to your roof, you may also incur water damage from the rains. However outside of a flood zone, the most damage will occur from wind.
RECOVERY When will it be safe to return home? Monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information. Local authorities will advise you when it is safe to return home.
What happens to mail delivery? Mail delivery may be significantly impacted. The Postal Service will resume normal mail delivery as soon as it is safe to do so. Displaced residents can request their mail be forwarded to a different address.
Can people volunteer to help? People can always volunteer. We do encourage you, however, to affiliate with a volunteer organization, such as the American Red Cross or New York Cares, before an emergency. You can also contact OEM about participating in your local CERT team. By going through an organization, rather than simply showing up at a site, you can ensure that you are helping in the best manner.
What happens to utilities after the storm? Gas and electrical systems may have been damaged by wind and water. Utility companies will work to restore service as soon as possible, but residents must exercise extreme caution when returning home. Be aware of potential electrical or gas leak hazards and report utility damage to the proper authorities. Drinking water may have been contaminated by floodwaters. Monitor your radio and television for any water boil advisements.
Will the banks and ATM machines work? This will depend on whether or not there is electricity. We recommend keeping a small amount of cash in your Go Bag or Emergency Supply Kit.
After the storm, what will be the conditions of the Sanitary/sewer systems and when will they work? Local authorities anticipate significant system back-up, thus extensive flooding in basements and streets. Avoid contact with contaminated water and protect yourself by using safety equipment such as gloves and boots. Monitor your television and radio for up-to-date information on the status of the sanitary/sewer systems.
MISC Will schools be closed? Yes. We will have enough advance notice that a storm is approaching and will close schools.
Can the plan be used for smaller emergencies (Nor’Easters)? Yes.
When does the Federal government step in? After the storm |
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To make a tax deductible donation to Port Richmond CERT with your credit card press a donate button. Port Richmond CERT and Rescue is a non-profit organization. Incorporated under Section §501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All transactions are over a secure internet connection through paypal. To Make a donation of supplies and or services email us @ donations@sicert.org
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