Hurricanes, such as the 2011 weather event known as Hurricane Irene, can have an extreme impact on the greater metropolitan area, with flooding and high winds. Some people may need to leave their homes on short notice. Find out whether your Brooklyn neighborhood is in a NYC hurricane evacuation zone, what to put in a Go Bag, and more potentially life-saving information.
Check out the Hurricane Quiz for Skeptical New Yorkers: So, Are You Ready?
1. 21 Precautions to Take When A Hurricane or Big Storm is Headed Your Way
Here is a checklist of 21 precautions to take when high winds, a hurricane, flooding and other disasters are predicted to strike.
2. High Winds: What to Do & What Not to Do
Beware high winds. It can be beautiful to watch the trees bend, but falling trees can crush cars, down power lines, kill pedestrians, and toss heavy items such as garbage cans, furniture, potted plants, lamp posts and so on. Also high winds can blow out glass from high rise buildings. The best advice for staying safe from damage and injury that high winds can cause is to stay indoors. Don't go in the parks, or anywhere near trees that might suddenly crack and break.
Recent Wind Events in New York City
- August 2009 — gusting 70 mph winds knocked down more than 100 trees in Central Park, causing the most severe destruction in the park in more than 30 years.
- October 2009— 50 mph winds toppled 11 trees onto homes throughout the five boroughs, even splitting a three- story house in half in Queens. Part of Broadway was closed after debris from a building fell onto the street, causing long delays. Downed power lines caused power outages, leaving more than 3000 people without power.
3. If You're Stuck at Home: Home Emergency Supply Kit
Find out what emergency supplies to keep at home to survive a three to seven day crisis.
4. If You Have to Leave Home: 8 Basic Things to Put in Your "Go" Bag
A "Go bag" is a larger bag than your at-home emergency supply kit. Here's what should be in your "Go Bag," according to the NYC Office of Emergency Preparedness:
- water
- food
- first aid
- medications
- care and house keys
- essential documents (drivers license, passports)
- money
- essential phone numbers
5. Evacuating: How to Know if You Are in a Brooklyn Evacuation Zone
The NYC Office of Emergency Management has an easy-to-use evacuation zone should a hurricane arrive in New York City and Brooklyn. Just plug in your street and zip code, and you can find out if you're going to be in an unsafe zone.
6. Power Outage: Dealing with No Electricity & Steps to Take
It's not uncommon for thousands of Brooklyn households to lose power in a weather emergency. For instance, in 2011's Hurricane Irene, 6,000 households lost electricity. Know what to do, who to call, and how to cope.7. Food: Know How Long Food Lasts in a Freezer or Fridge During a Power Outage
Most New Yorkers have at least peanut butter and crackers on the shelves, or some snacks to get through an emergency. But it's expensive to have to throw away rotten food, and it feels bad to do it, too. Know how long the food in your fridge and freezer will last if the power shuts off.
8. Floods: 5 Things to Do If You're in a Flood Zone in New York City
The NYC Office of Emergency Management suggests taking a series of steps if you happen to live near the coast, for instance, in Coney Island or Manhattan Beach. Find out 5 things to do if you're in a flood zone during a weather crisis in Brooklyn.
9. Take Care of Your Elderly, Frail Neighbors & Relatives
It goes without saying, but NYC has a lot of elderly and frail residents. Do you know someone who might be at risk during a huge storm? Check in and help them stock up on food and meds, roll up their rugs, or do whatever needs doing.10. 6 Things to Do After a Storm or Hurricane to Prepare an Insurance Claim
When the storm's over, know what to do if you've suffered water damage or property damage
