Hurricane Irene Heading Towards New York City - Is Roosevelt Island Prepared?

According to the New York Daily News:

New York City emergency planners are gearing up for a direct hit from Hurricane Irene as the strengthening storm battered the Bahamas with 120 mph winds Wednesday.

The first major Atlantic hurricane of the season was charting a course that will take it up the East Coast and dangerously close to the city as early as Sunday...

Received this Hurricane Advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised that RIOC will be monitoring the progress of the storm scheduled to arrive in the New York City area this coming weekend. We are taking precautions to secure the operations of the island. Consequently, Transportation Services may be temporarily interrupted at some point. Subsequent advisories will follow as needed.

In preparation for the storm, we ask anyone who has potted plants on their window sills to bring them inside. Those having a terrace or an outdoor space, please make sure to bring in plants or any items that could be blown away by high winds which could potentially cause injury or property damage. Vehicles are discouraged from parking on Main Street, and we encourage you to utilize the Motorgate Parking Facility.

As always feel free to call 3-1-1 for non-emergencies and 9-1-1 (or 212-832-4545) for emergencies.

We thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

What would happen if a Hurricane hit New York City. This 2007 You Tube Video provides some possibilities.



Here's video of a Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Presentation for Roosevelt Island sponsored by Community Board 8's Public Safety Committee held in 2006.

More information available here on hurricane and emergency preparedness.


Be prepared, follow the news over the next few days and plan accordingly.

UPDATE 8/26 - Here's Mayor Bloomberg's speaking last night at 6 PM on Hurricane Irene.



Roosevelt Island is in Evacuation Zone B. According to the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) , as of 11 AM:

You are in Zone B.
There is currently NO evacuation order in effect for this zone.
In the event of a hurricane, you may need to evacuate from this address.

Residents in Zone B may experience storm surge flooding from a MODERATE (Category 2 and higher) hurricane.

 

Interactive hurricane evacuation map available here.

More hurricane information here.