Press Release

Print

#45-16

 

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS CLOSELY MONITORING HURRICANE HERMINE FOR ANY POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO NYC THIS WEEKEND

 

September 1, 2016 – The New York City Emergency Management Department is closely monitoring Hurricane Hermine and the possible effects the storm may have on the City as it moves toward the north. The current forecast track shows that the storm will be near the Florida coast tonight or early Friday before making its way up the east coast. While there is significant uncertainty in the track, intensity and speed of Hurricane Hermine, possible impacts to the City include strong rip currents, high surf, coastal flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds.

"NYC Emergency Management has been closely monitoring this system from before it became a tropical depression, and we're gearing up for any possible impacts the City may face as a result of the storm," NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Esposito said. "September is also National Preparedness Month – we encourage all New Yorkers to make a family emergency plan, pack a Go Bag, and have an emergency supply kit to be ready for any kind of emergency."

NYC Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service to track and monitor Hurricane Hermine and share storm updates with City, state, and private-sector partners including NYPD, FDNY, DOT, Con Edison and the American Red Cross.

The National Weather Service has forecast the potential for moderate to high rip current risk this weekend. Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Talk to lifeguards and beach officials to learn about any surf hazards and heed their advice. Pay attention to flags and posted signs and swim in life guarded areas.

If you become caught in a rip current:

  • Yell for help.
  • Remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help.
  • If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to the shore. Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back toward the beach.
  • Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.

Preparing for a storm

  • Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. For more information about what to pack in a Go Bag, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/gather-supplies.page.
  • Know your flood risk. To learn more about coastal flood risk in New York City, visit the FEMA Region II Coastal Analysis and Mapping website for flood hazard information.
  • Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance. For more information, visit the National Flood Insurance Program online at www.floodsmart.gov.
  • Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables.
  • Fill out an Emergency Reference Card, which will contain important contacts for you and your family in the event of any emergency.
  • Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your household disaster plan.
  • If you live in a flood-susceptible area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.
  • If you have a disability, access or functional need, make sure your emergency plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.
Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT: Nancy Silvestri/Omar Bourne (NYCEM) (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications); @nycoem (emergency preparedness info); Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement