Hurricane Irene: Saturday 10:30pm Update

Dear Elected Official:

The edge of the hurricane is now upon us and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Please use the following information to best prepare your constituents for the duration of the storm.

Latest Developments

* According to the National Weather Service, tropical force winds can be expected from this point forward.

* In addition, a tornado warning has been issued for the city until 5am on Sunday.

* The time for evacuation is over. Everyone should now be inside -- and be prepared to stay inside -- until weather conditions improve, which likely will not be until Sunday afternoon.

* Evacuation centers across the city are currently sheltering thousands of New Yorkers.

* The City has undertaken exhaustive steps to prepare for whatever comes our way. The very best first responders are going to work nonstop through the night to make sure we get through this as safely as possible.

Home Safety Tips to Share with Your Constituents

* Move as far away as possible from glass windows. There is a risk that flying debris could break and shatter windows in your home. This risk increases if you live in a high-rise building, particularly on the 10th floor or higher.

* Make sure windows and doors leading to the outside are closed.

* Find an interior room in your home with as few windows as possible and remain there.

* Fill your bathtubs and sinks with water that you can later use for washing and for flushing toilets.

* Candles are a fire hazard and can be knocked over easily. Keep an eye on them, and do not leave them unattended.

* Charge your phones and any other mobile devices that you might need.

* If you have a fireplace in your home, close the damper.

* Turn off any propane tanks.

For Information Updates

* For the most updated information on storm developments go to the Office of Emergency Management’s Severe Weather Page on NYC.gov.

* If your power does go out, call 311 or text 311 at 311692 (which is 311NYC). That will help us identify the areas that are without power.

* 911 should only be used for emergencies. If it's not an emergency, please call 311 instead, so we can keep 911 open for the most urgent calls.

* For updates throughout the storm, you can visit nyc.gov or follow @nycmayorsoffice or @notifynyc on Twitter.

Thank you and we will continue to share updates with you.