Council Member Van Bramer Helps Prepare Community For Hurricane Irene

Earlier today, I visited the Zone A evacuation area in Hunters Point/LIC. I stopped by every building in the evacuation zone to speak with residents and building staff. While I was pleased that many have evacuated or were in the process of evacuating, some are still choosing to stay. I want to again remind everyone living in Zone A in our district that the City has ordered a mandatory evacuation by 5:00 PM today.

I also spent time at all three of the evacuation centers in our district. All three have seen evacuees arrive, and there is additional space at all three at this time.

They are listed below:

Newcomers High School (28-01 41st Ave.)

Aviation High School (45-30 36th St.

W.C. Bryant High School (48-10 31st Ave.)


 

We will be closing the district office at 4:30 PM today. Anyone with problems or concerns should reach out to me atjvanbramer@council.nyc.gov as well as our Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/jimmyvanbramer) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/jimmyvanbramer) pages. We will reopen the district office as soon as we can. Again, the number is(718) 383-9566. During the storm, please do not call this number in case of an emergency.

In case of a serious or life threatening emergency, please call 911. For all other problems or concerns email me and call 311.

I will be in touch with the Mayor’s Office and City agencies throughout the storm and will relay all issues that are brought to my attention. 

I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank my amazingly dedicated staff for coming in today as well as for their concern and desire to help the people of our district. Stay safe and I’ll be in touch again soon.

 

Sincerely,

 

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Jimmy Van Bramer

 

Council Member, District 26

OEM’s Hurricane Guide

To secure your home if a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued:
· Bring inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, and toys.
· Anchor objects that will be unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks. Turn off propane tanks.
· Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
· Place valuables in waterproof containers or plastic bags.
 
Help Others Prepare
· Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially those with disabilities or special needs, and assist them with their preparation and evacuation.
· If you live outside an evacuation zone, offer to shelter family and friends who may need to evacuate.
 
If Asked to Evacuate, Do So Immediately
The City will communicate specific instructions about which areas of the city should evacuate through local media. If the City Issues an Evacuation Order for Your Area: Evacuate immediately. Use public transportation if possible.
 
If you are going to an evacuation center, pack lightly, and bring:
· Your Go Bag
· Sleeping bag or bedding
· Required medical supplies or equipment
· Let friends or relatives know where you are going.
 
What about my pets?
· Make sure your disaster plan addresses what you will do with your pet if a hurricane requires you to leave your home.
· Plan to shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation area.
· Be sure you have supplies ready for your pet in the event of an evacuation, including food, a leash, a muzzle, proof of shots, and a cage or carrier.
 
Account for your special needs
· Consider your capabilities and make sure your preparedness plan addresses how your special needs affect your ability to evacuate and shelter.
· Determine if you will need assistance and arrange help from friends, family, or neighbors.
· Consider additional supplies and equipment that you may need to bring with you, such as medicine, icepacks, medical devices, and backup equipment. Bring food for your dietary needs.
· Include additional time and evaluate your transportation options.
 
IF YOU LIVE IN AN EVACUATION ZONE
 
Prepare A Disaster Plan
Develop a plan with your household members that outlines what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes New York. If you rent your home, renter’s insurance will insure the items inside your apartment. If you are a homeowner, make sure your home is properly insured — flood and wind damage are not covered in a basic homeowner’s policy.