OEM ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR A NOR'EASTER

Subject: OEM ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR A NOR'EASTER

OEM ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR A NOR'EASTER

The National Weather Services has issued a Coastal Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory for New York City beginning on Sunday, April 15. A large storm is headed toward the city, and may cause dangerous winds, heavy precipitation, and flooding.

New Yorkers should prepare their homes and cars before the storm hits, and remember their neighbors with special needs who may require extra support.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Release 07-04
April 13, 2007

NYC OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFERS EMERGENCY INFORMATION IN ADVANCE OF IMPENDING NOR’EASTER

A powerful, and potentially dangerous, coastal storm may impact New York City this weekend. While the exact track and intensity of the storm is uncertain at this time, heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding may occur from early Sunday morning through Monday. The New York City Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the storm with the National Weather Service to ensure the City can prepare for and respond to this situation.

Nor’easters are intense storms that can cause heavy rain, oversized waves, beach erosion and structural damage. Coastal flooding can occur when sea water is pushed inland by high winds.

“New York City may be hit by a serious nor’easter this weekend,” said OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno. “All New Yorkers, especially those living in coastal areas, should take steps to prepare themselves and their families for this storm.”

OEM OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TIPS FOR NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE:

In advance of the storm:

* Keep a battery operated radio to ensure you are able to hear weather and emergency updates
* Stay tuned to television and radio news broadcasts for updated information as the storm develops
* Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury
* Know the safest route from your home or place of business to safe, high ground should you have to evacuate in a hurry
* Have your Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit ready to go in the event of evacuation or loss of power. (Information on Go Bags and Emergency Supply Kits can be found at OEM’s website: www.nyc.gov/oem)

During a powerful storm OEM strongly urges New Yorkers to remain indoors. If you must go out:

* Never touch or go near down power lines, even if you think they are safe
* When outside, remember floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and don't attempt to walk across stretches of flood waters more than knee deep
* Do NOT drive through flooded areas. Parts of the road may already be washed out, and you could become stranded or trapped

Additionally, if you are a resident of the following low lying, coastal areas, you should be sure to heed all storm warnings:

* Bronx: Edgewater Park, Silver Beach, Locust Point, Classon Point, Throgs Neck
* Brooklyn: Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Sheepshead Bay
* Manhattan: Financial District, entire FDR Drive vicinity, Lower East Side
* Queens: Rockaway, Broad Channel, Howard Beach and West Hamilton Beach, Whitestone
* Staten Island: New Dorp Beach, Oakwood Beach, Foxwood Beach, Great Kills and Tottenville


http://nyc.gov/html/oem/html/news/07_04_13_noreaster_release.shtml

Con Ed has also issued a similar press release.

Batten down them hatches!