Coastal storms, which include hurricanes, nor’easters, and tropical storms, can cause severe flooding, strong winds, and heavy rain. Strong winds and high waters can create hazards such as falling trees, downed power lines, flying debris and loss of heat, water and power. Be prepared and keep you and your family safe by using these tips.
Check on Friends, Relatives and Neighbors
Help people most at risk for injury or death from coastal storms with their preparation and evacuation. Check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbors after the storm has passed, if it is safe to do so. People most at risk include those who:
Prepare For the Storm
Be Prepared for a Power Outage
Follow Evacuation Orders
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
New York City tap water is safe to drink, including in areas with flooding, unless otherwise reported by city officials.
If local authorities inform you that the tap water is unsafe, use your emergency water supplies until instructed otherwise.
If your water service was disrupted, run the tap for at least 30 seconds and until the water runs cold and clear. Replace all ice machine filters and beverage dispenser filters, and flush all water lines for 5 minutes.
Monitor NYC Department of Environmental Protection for updates on NYC drinking water safety.
Stay Safe after the Storm
Even when a storm has passed, outdoor activities may still pose dangerous hazards.
Cleaning After a Flood
Keep children, pets and people with compromised immune systems away until the area has been cleaned and disinfected.
Use protective eyewear and waterproof gloves and boots when cleaning or coming in contact with sewage.
Remove standing shallow water. Make sure to dry all objects and surfaces thoroughly to avoid mold growth.
Deep water and extensive flood damage may require professional cleanup and restoration.
Sewage Contamination
To disinfect, wipe surfaces with a bleach solution (half cup bleach in one gallon of water). Non-bleach sanitizers can also be used.
WARNING: Never mix bleach with ammonia or detergents containing ammonia products since dangerous gases may be created. Bleach can damage some materials, so use with caution.
Wash clothes, bedding and other fabrics contaminated with sewage with detergent and water. Dry them thoroughly. Dry clean items that cannot be washed.
If fuel is found floating on top of water in a flooded basement, please refer to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation - Guidance on Oil Cleanup for information on cleanup and reporting oil spills. The oil should be removed before the water is pumped out. If the oil is not removed first, the floors and walls will be coated with oil as the water is removed.
After you finish cleaning, disinfect your boots and gloves with a solution of one half cup household bleach in one gallon of water. Rinse with clear water and allow the boots and gloves to air dry.
If the sewage spill in your yard is large, hire a sewage cleanup company to do the work. If the spill is small and you choose to do any of the work yourself:
Prevent Mold Growth