Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 1999

Release # 358-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins 212-788-2958
Matt Furman/Frank McCarton (OEM) 212-442-2031


MAYOR GIULIANI AND CITY OFFICIALS ADVISE NEW YORKERS ON PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE FLOYD

As Hurricane Floyd moves up the East Coast, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Office of Emergency Management Director Jerome M. Hauer (OEM) today outlined the City's preparations for this potentially destructive storm. City officials stressed that Floyd's path is far from certain at this time, but that New Yorkers should nonetheless prepare for the storm.

"With Floyd threatening to affect the metropolitan area, City officials have made preparations to deal with the destructive weather the hurricane may bring," the Mayor said. "While Floyd's course cannot accurately be predicted at this time, New Yorkers should take this storm very seriously and become informed on what can be done to safeguard life and property during a hurricane. Visit the City's website at www.ci.nyc.ny.us for hurricane tips and stay informed by listening to news reports for updates on the storm's projected track. "

Emergency Management Director Jerome Hauer said, "At this time, no evacuations have been ordered, but should Hurricane Floyd hit our area, the City has prepared 20 emergency shelters in schools to which residents in flood-prone areas may relocate during this storm. A media alert will be sent out if and when the shelters are activated and the list of shelters will be available on the City's website."

City officials urged residents to take the following precautions:

Preparation for a power outage - Check the working condition of flashlights, batteries and battery-powered radios. Should power go out in your area, a working battery-powered radio may be your only way to get outside information. Also, in the event of a power failure, flashlights may be your only source of light.

Radio - Make sure the radio you buy is both electric and battery powered in case you lose electricity.

Adequate supply of food and water - Make sure you have enough non-perishable food and water on hand for one to two weeks and if there are infants in the home, make sure you have adequate baby food and supplies on hand. In the event of a catastrophic storm, you could be without power for at least that long. It is recommended that you have one gallon of water per person, per day.

Supplies to protect your home - Buy and store materials, such as plywood and plastic, to secure your home in the event of a storm.

Inspection of your home's exterior - Check the area around your home for potential problems. Make sure rain gutters and spouts are secure and not clogged. Inspect the roof for loose tiles, shingles, or debris. Keep trees and shrubbery well trimmed and remove any dead or dying branches. Make sure any loose items, such as garbage cans, lawn furniture, or plants, are taken inside or tied down.

Securing important documents - Gather insurance policies and other important documents and store in a safe, dry place. It is also recommended that you inventory your property, on videotape if possible, and store it with these documents. You may also want to send copies to a relative out of the area.

Having quick access to emergency numbers - Post emergency telephone numbers near your phone. Remember, do not call 911 unless you have a real emergency. Also, teach children how to make long distance phone calls and how and when to call 911.

Preparation for possible evacuation - Anyone who lives in a coastal storm surge area, in low-lying flood-prone areas should be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so by City officials. If you are in an area that is likely to be evacuated, contact friends or family members who live inland and make plans to stay with them. Know the evacuation routes, plan to leave with plenty of time to get to a safe place, and review these plans with your family. You should also know where public shelters are located in your area. Public shelters do not allow pets, so make alternate arrangements if necessary. In addition, anyone who is at risk for medical reasons could be forced to evacuate. Make sure to bring adequate medical supplies with you, such as any prescription medicine you need. You should have at least a seven-day supply. Other items you will need if evacuating: important papers (valid identification); sleeping bags, blankets, pillows; extra clothing, infant necessities; personal hygiene items; for service animals, bring food and water.

If residents chose to relocate during the storm to one of the City-run emergency shelters, there are 20 located across the five boroughs that will be activated if necessary. (Editors: A list of emergency shelters is attached to this press release).

For more information on what New Yorkers can do to prepare for a hurricane and for ongoing updates on Hurricane Floyd, visit the City's website at www.ci.nyc.ny.us. Also, New Yorkers can receive hurricane information from OEM's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-MOEM-NYC (888-663-6692). Brochures on hurricane preparedness will be available at firehouses in flood-prone areas throughout the City.

www.ci.nyc.ny.us


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