Greetings from the 61st Precinct Commanding Officer:

I would like to take this opportunity notify the community regarding the forecasted hurricane which may affect the area early next week. I am currently reviewing our hurricane contingency plan and I am closely monitoring the forecast for updates regarding potential safety issues, storm surges and potential property damage.

Residents in low-lying areas such as Manhattan Beach and Gerritsen Beach should be especially cautious and begin planning for possible extreme weather conditions and/or flooding.

Part of our Hurricane Plan is to direct special attention to evacuation routes and to identify especially vulnerable residents of the community who may need special accommodations. If you know of any person who is severely disabled, elderly, or who would be especially affected by the storm, please notify my Community Affairs office so that we can attempt to make special evacuation arrangements for those individuals as soon as possible.

I am currently in contact with the major nursing homes within our precinct, including Crown Nursing Home, Menora Nursing Home, Sheepshead Bay Nursing Home, Harbor View, Palm Beach and Sunrise Assisted Living.

Below are general storm safety tips that I encourage you to share with your neighbors, friends, family and constituents:

-Stay alert to weather reports and conditions over the next few days, and pay attention to any instructions from local authorities.

-Keep emergency contact numbers with you.

-Secure loose objects in your yard.

-Keep on hand non-perishable food which can be eaten without cooking.

-Check flashlights or other emergency lights to make sure they are in working condition.

-Keep a battery operated radio on hand.

-Fill your bathtub with water for flushing the toilet. Gas up your car. If electrical power is off, service stations may not be able to operate pumps.

-Take an inventory of your household to make a concise record of your belongings.

-Leave your mobile home. Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable to high winds.

-Prepare appropriate emergency supplies to sustain yourself and your family for a few days if the storm's path becomes more evident of impacting your area.

For more information, visit the New York City Office of Emergency Management at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/hurricane_guide.shtml

Captain John Chell
61st Precinct Commanding Officer
2575 Coney Island Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11223