ALERT---Prepare for Hurricane Irene!

Everyone,

You must prepare NOW for the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene. While there is a chance the storm may weaken before hitting us, there is also a chance it could regain strength. The storm will arrive in full force Saturday evening and will remain dangerously strong clear through to Sunday night. This is a very dangerous storm! Our area may see over 9 inches of rain and winds possibly over 70 mph with all that entails. There will be flooding, trees and power lines may fall and debris will be in the air. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE DURING THE STORM.

• Before the storm low lying areas may be evacuated (attention Red Hook and the Gowanus area.) To see if you are in an evacuation zone (near the water or in a very low area) use the New York City OEM Evacuation Zone Finder. Bring in or secure all items on your decks or in your backyards. Consider covering windows in plywood (taping windows provides only minimal effect.) Prepare a Go-bag. Do your shopping, including bottles of water! Review the excellent information on the websites linked below now and make all the preparations that are recommended.
• During the storm electricity and telephone service may fail, so you may not have access to the internet. A battery powered radio is a very good idea. Keep your cell phones charged. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE DURING THE STORM.
• As the storm subsides the outside will continue to be hazardous. Emergency crews will be removing debris and repairing the system, but mass transit may be unavailabel and stores will likely be closed. Prepare to be inside for up to 2 days.  Let your family and friends know you are OK, and check on your neighbors.

Check on your neighbors now to see if they need help preparing or evacuating. Check with them during the storm if possible, and afterwards. Do not endanger yourselves! Be careful, be safe, be prepared, and we will all be just fine.

God bless us all,

Senator Velmanette Montgomery

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INFORMATION SOURCES

Weather and news reports: National Weather Service, NY1, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox5

New York City official notices: NYC Office of Emergency Management. Includes updates on all city services, power outages, etc.

MTA Travel information: “Because of the severity of the wind and rain associated with a hurricane, there may be partial or full shut down of our services to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. We are also prepared to implement evacuation plans if the Mayor and Governor decide that is necessary. We urge our customers to check mta.info frequently and to consider the impacts of this storm when making travel plans through the weekend.”

PREPARATION INFORMATION:

American Red Cross: Website. Below are links to download hurricane preparedness checklists in English, Spanish and Chinese:

·English: 
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Hurricane.pdf

·Chinese:
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/foreignmat/Chinese/Hurricane_SC_final.pdf

• Spanish: 
  http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/foreignmat/Spanish/Hurricane_SP_9_09.pdf

SUPPLIES CHECKLIST:

• Water - at least a 3-day supply, one gallon per person, per day.
• Food - at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food.
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids, glasses, syringes, etc.)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation & personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medications, proof of address, deed/lease, passports, insurance policies, etc.)
• Cell phones with chargers
• Family & emergency contact information
• Extra cash (ATMs may be down if power is lost)
• Emergency blankets
• Maps of the area
• Baby & pet supplies if needed
• Tools/supplies to secure your home
• Extra clothing (hats and shoes as well)
• Extra set of car & house keys
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage for insurance claims