Severe weather's no joke in the Big Apple. Find out how to prep for a storm, cope with a hurricane or deal with other inconveniently intense weather events. Why? Because, Brooklyn, global warming's just begun.
Take 2011. In the winter, Brooklyn's neighborhoods were buried in unusually heavy snow. In the summer, Brooklyn sweated through 99-plus degree heat in July, got shook up by a 5.7 earthquake in August, and then hibernated as Hurricane Irene swept through.
Learn about important precautions, where Brooklyn evacuation centers are located, what to do if you're driving through a flood, and what to do after a storm if you've sustained property damage.
1. Stay Informed: Log onto the NYC Severe Weather Website
It's true. New York City has a special website dedicted to severe weather occurances. Check out the NYC Severe Weather site.
2. Power Outages? 9 Smart Things to Do When the Electricity Goes OFF
Bright lights, big city, they say. But living in the city can be disconcertingly dull when there's a power failure, whether due to a storm or too many air conditioners turned on high during a summer heat wave. It's no fun getting stuck in an elevator coming down from the 23rd floor dentists office, or on the R train en route to Bay Ridge. Or sitting in the dark.
Usually, the utility companies in NYC are quick to repair downed lines. But not always.
- Nine tips on what to do if there's a power outage
- How fast your food in the freezer will last during a power outage
3. Too Hot? Where to Go in Brooklyn to Cool Off in a Heat Wave
If your AC doesn't work or you're looking for a public place to cool off, find out where in Brooklyn to beat the summer heat.
4. Too Wet? Museums in Brooklyn for Rainy Day Fun
Brooklyn has great museums, and not just for a rainy day. Check them out.
5. Snow Storm? What to Do on Snow Days from School in Brooklyn
Oh no! Not another snow day! The kids have cabin fever — and so do you. Here are some ideas on ways to have fun in the snow in Brooklyn, including sledding hills, cross-country skiing and more.
6. Flooding on the Roads? 8 DO's and DON'Ts for Drivers
New York's a water-rich environment. After all, Manhattan's an island. In Brooklyn, Coney Island, Manhattan Beach and Brighton Beach are on the Atlantic Ocean shore. And, we've got the moody East River, plus numerous estuaries and even the good ol' Gowanus Canal.Find out what to do if there's roadway flooding in Brooklyn or the tristate area.
7. Hurricane or Tropical Storm? How to Get Prepared with Food, Water, More
They're rare, and have silly names, but this form of urban weather inconvenience can be deadly: hurricanes. Gale force winds can topple trees, disable the mass transit system, and create tremendous anxiety in a city of commuters in a rush to get to work, to school, to dinner, to a show or rehearsal, or all of the above.
Find out what essential things to do when a hurricane threatens Brooklyn NY.
8. Earthquake? What to Do, According to FEMA
Brooklyn had its first earthquake in decades in 2011. It was a 5.7 on the Richter scale. Nobody knows if, or when, there might be another. Learn what FEMA recommends you do should there be an earthquake in the Big Apple.
Also, learn about the geographic relationship between Brooklyn and our upstate nuclear reactor, Indian Point. Some consider it too close for comfort.
9. Evacuating? Truly a Last Resort
It would be better to escape to the Hamptons. Or your mother-in-law's. But in emergencies, New York City directs vulnerable individuals to public evacuation centers. For such emergencies as huge storms, these evacuation centers are usually in large public schools. They're not the Ritz, but they are dry, well maintained, and have kitchens and bathrooms (sometimes with interesting graffiti decorations). What location is used for an evacuation center varies according to each crisis. Just to get an idea, though, see a neighborhood-by-neighborhood list of evacuation centers opened for the 2011 Hurricane Irene evacuations).
10. After the Storm: Tips on Preparing an Insurance Claim, Reporting Damage
If you do sustain property damage to your home or business, then you can try to get insurance money for it. Learn about how to file an insurance claim after a storm.
And even if that doesn't work, think big and do something nice for the Big Apple: report your personal property damage to the NYC.gov website so that City Hall can appeal to the federal government for emergency funding.
