July 25 - 31, 2013
Getting ready for a hurricane
Photo by Lincoln Anderson
The day after Hurricane Sandy slammed New York last year, Mike Schweinsburg, at 14th St. and Second Ave., held up a prized possession, a candle, that he was lucky to find at a store on Avenue B. “D” batteries were also hard to find, and exploiting the crisis, one E. 14th St. store had jacked up the price for a pair to $5.50.
Continued from page 4 as “blackouts, fires, gas leaks, utilities, lack of public transportation, cell phone towers down, earthquakes, tornados and terrorism.” O.E.M. used to be part of the New York Police Department, but after Sept. 11, 2001, it was made separate. “If there’s an outbreak,” Nilsson said, “we have operations, F.D.N.Y., N.Y.P.D. But sometimes you have to have multiple agencies in place, as you’ve seen. Sometimes they don’t work well together. O.E.M. goes in and coordinates the efforts.” An emergency support network is step one in the plan. Have at least two people, one near you, and one not in the city, she explained. “It’s preferable if it’s outside of the state,” said Nilsson. This is crucial so that you do not feel isolated in an emergency zone, people will be able to deliver messages, and you’ll have somewhere to stay, if necessary. Also, write down medical conditions, allergies and prescription doses. “It’s very important,” advised Nilsson. “Even though it’s personal, have it on you.” Make sure you list your blood type, any devices you may need, and contact information
for doctors, pharmacies and health insurance. Figure out reliable transportation. Add friends who may have cars to your list, plus taxi service numbers. As for when public transportation goes down, Nilsson said, “They say three days, but it can take a lot longer. If you need to get somewhere, make sure you have transportation in your plan.” She also recommended organizing a community carpool if there are there are neighbors with serious health needs. If you are stuck during an evacuation period, Nilsson urged calling 911 instead of 311, which would take a lot longer to get a response. Give a photocopy of your plan to people in your support network, and keep a copy on you at all times, she said. “Not everyone speaks English, and there’s no guarantee that first responders speak another language [than English],” Nilsson added. She recommended writing down medical issues, such as “I’m a diabetic,” or any other relevant phrases, in English on a 3-by-5 index card. Also, know where you are supposed to evacuate, and make sure you have items of value insured that are left behind, the meeting was told. A shelter situation is not always an option for families; sometimes it might be easier to bring a relative with health issues to your house to better monitor food and medicines. Hurricane maps were released by the city Monday in 11 languages with updated changes for flood zones. Type in a specific address at maps.nyc.gov/hurricane/ to locate your flood zone and a nearby emergency shelter. A to-go bag, intended for one person, includes the basics for a hurried departure. “No originals — have copies of your passport and license,” Nilsson explained, “a thumb drive [USB flash drive], and your Rx’s.” Also, don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, she added. “Have a piece of mail with your name on it,” she said. “For security reasons, if you’re forced to evacuate, have something that proves you live there.” “You should have cash in your go bag,” she continued. “Ones and fives, nothing larger because people take advantage of you in an emergency situation, unfortunately.” An animal should have its own to-go bag as well. Make sure to have food and water for pets — dogs, cats, and snakes are allowed in shelters — and copies of documentation. When you are forced to stay at home, or “sheltering in place,” you should have enough food and supplies for three days. “It’s basically a go bag, but more of it,” Nilsson said. “One gallon of water per person per day, nonperishable foods, flashlights and batteries.” The city is currently in the process of developing an emergency app for cell phones. If your cell phone doesn’t work, listen to a battery-operated or hand-crank radio for updates. Nilsson asked the group in closing when they were supposed to prepare their plan. “As soon as we get home, and before the next emergency,” joked a group member.
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