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NYCHA Now
Know Your Zone
August 2020 

Prepare for Coastal Storms

Michael Corwin

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30.

Coastal Storms 

Coastal storms such as Nor’easters, tropical storms, and hurricanes often bring strong winds, coastal flooding, and rain. They can also bring severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, snow, or ice, depending on the type of storm 

What to Do During a Coastal Storm

If not directed to evacuate,

  • Stay indoors away from windows and as far from exterior walls as possible. Strong winds can send objects into the sides of buildings. 
  • Check in with family, friends, and neighbors by calling, texting, or using social media, if possible. 
  • Keep all exterior windows, doors, and blinds/curtains closed. 
  • Avoid using elevators 
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. This will keep the contents inside colder for longer if the power goes out. 
  • Monitor local radio, television stations, National Weather Service, NOAA weather radio, and local emergency management officials for the latest storm information and instructions. 
  • Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated (you can sanitize these items by first rinsing with bleach). 
  • If flood waters threaten your apartment, move to a higher floor. 
  • If the eye of the storm passes over your location, there will be a brief period of calm. DO NOT go outside, as hurricane-force wind and rain will rapidly return once the eye passes. 

If directed to evacuate,

  • Do so before elevator and public transportation have shut down and before any travel restrictions are put in place. 
  • Arrange for your household, including pets, to stay with family and friends outside of the evacuation zone. o If you need to evacuate to a City shelter, call 311 or Know Your Zone to locate the nearest evacuation center. 
  • If you have a mobility impairment and need evacuation assistance, call 311.  

Know Your Zone

Visit nyc.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find out if your development is in a hurricane evacuation zone. While you’re on the site, check out the “Know the Hazards” feature to understand what you need to prepare for in advance of a storm.

Sign up for NotifyNYC for severe weather information by visiting nyc.gov/notifynyc, calling 311, or following @NotifyNYC. For additional information on coastal storms, visit NYC Emergency Management: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/coastal-storms-hurricanes.page.

Have a Go Bag Ready for Each Family Member and Pet! (Read what to pack in your Go Bag here.)

How can I find out if I need to evacuate?

Visit nyc.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to see if you live in one of six Hurricane Evacuation Zones in New York City.

Do I need to evacuate even if my building has flood protections or if I live on a high floor?

Yes. Though some NYCHA buildings are equipped with flood protections, they are not life-saving and do not prevent storm dangers or damage. Even if your apartment does not experience flooding, services to your building may be impacted. Service disruptions could include electricity, land lines and cell phone service, internet service, public transportation, paratransit, elevators, and trash compactors. In addition, nearby stores and services may be damaged or closed, and emergency teams may be delayed in reaching you if you need help.

When and how do I evacuate?

If an Evacuation Recommendation or Order is issued for your zone, leave as soon as possible, before elevators and public transportation are shut down. If your building has flood protection measures, it will be harder to evacuate once these protections are activated. If possible, avoid traveling in cars – high car volume on roads causes extensive delays during evacuations. If you do drive:

  • Make sure your tank is full and allow plenty of time to travel.
  • Follow evacuation route signs that point to high ground.
  • Be aware that certain roads, bridges, or tunnels may shut down early due to storm hazards.
  • NEVER drive through flooded roads.

Where do I evacuate to?

If you can, stay with family or friends outside the evacuation zones. If that is not possible, visit nyc.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find your closest evacuation center and directions on how to get there.

Are evacuation centers accessible? What if I need help evacuating because I am disabled?

Evacuation centers include accessible facilities and accommodations. Visit nyc.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to locate them. If you are not able to evacuate safely on your own or with the assistance of neighbors, friends or family, call 311. Emergency services personnel will take you to an accessible evacuation shelter or a hospital outside of the evacuation zone via ambulance if necessary. You may request this assistance even if you do not normally use paratransit services.

What if I use life-sustaining equipment?

If you or someone you know uses life-sustaining equipment, it is important to register with the electric utility company in your area so that they can contact you in the event of a power outage. Users of life-sustaining equipment should have an alternate source of electric power, such as a battery backup system, and a phone that works when the power is off, such as a corded landline, or a fully charged cell phone.

Safety for Con Edison Customers:

Con Edison keeps a record of individuals who use life-sustaining equipment in order to contact them in the event of an emergency to make sure they are safe. To register call 1-800-752-6633. To keep its records current, Con Edison sends a letter each year asking you to recertify the equipment that you use.

This service is provided to everyone who depends on the electricity or for whom a disruption in service would create a medical emergency, including all NYCHA residents, whether or not you receive a bill from Con Edison in your rent.

What to Do After a Coastal Storm 

  • Monitor local radio, television stations, National Weather Service, NOAA weather radio, and local emergency management officials for the latest storm information and instructions.
  • Check in with family, friends, and neighbors, especially those with disabilities and access and functional needs, by calling, texting, or using social media.
  • Stay away from any downed utility poles or wires, as some of the wires may still be live.
  • Call 311 or utility companies to report any damaged infrastructure such as power lines or water mains. Call 911 for gas leaks.
  • Check for injuries and provide aid if you have training. Assist with rescues if you can do so safely. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
  • Do not walk or drive through any flood water.
  • Beware of animals, as they may be unpredictable after a storm. Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.
  • Do not enter any building that is surrounded by flood waters or may have become structurally unsafe.
  • Continue to conserve food and water until you can be sure it is safe to travel to replenish your food supplies
  • If you have renter’s insurance, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on conducting inventory and filing for reimbursement. If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance.
  • If you experience a power outage or other emergencies occur, call the Customer Contact Center (CCC) 718-707-7771 or useMyNYCHA(nyc.gov/mynycha).
  • Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
  • If you or a family member have a disability or access needs or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, please dial 911.
  • Check your refrigerator and freezer for food that has gone bad. If unsure if it is safe to eat, throw it out. 
  • Do not go outside or leave your evacuation area until officials give the okay to do so.
  • If you evacuated, return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Replenish items in your emergency supply kit and go bag.
  • Try to locate valuable documents and records. If your documents were damaged and need to be replaced, visit https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents.