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Be Prepared for Hurricane Irene: NYC Safety Checklist

By
Real Estate Agent

Manhattan 9/3/2010 calm before hurrican Earl

(iPhone photo taken Friday 9/3/2010 in anticipation of Hurricane Earl - fortunately Earl turned east out to sea)

 

A hurricane watch is in effect for New York City indicating hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.  Irene is currently a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to reach the North Carolina coast on Saturday. Irene is the strongest Atlantic storm to threaten the U.S. since 2005.

All residents are advised to take the following steps to prepare themselves and their residences.

Emergency Supply Kit

Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times.

  • One gallon of drinking water per person per day
  • Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight*
  • Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)
  • Whistle
  • Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
  • Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
  • Phone that does not rely on electricity
  • Child care supplies or other special care items
Go Bag

Every household should pack a Go Bag - a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation. A Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. A Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.

  • Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)
  • Extra set of car and house keys
  • Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations. We recommend you keep at least $50-$100 on hand.
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars
  • Flashlight
    Note: Traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
  • Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
  • Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Medication information and other essential personal items. If you store extra medication in your Go Bag, be sure to refill it before it expires.
  • First-aid kit
  • Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map
  • Child care supplies or other special care items
 
 
Residents with Balconies, Terraces  or any Outdoor Space

 

If your apartment has a terrace or balcony, make sure nothing can become airbourne during a high wind condition. This includes awnings, umbrellas, boxes, plants or trees, outdoor furniture, toys etc. Store all furniture cushions, plantings decorative items inside your apartment. Any items that can't be stored inside must be secured and tied down.

At the same time, make sure the drains on your terrace are free from debris that can create a flooding condition. Turn off irrigation systems. During the storm do not congregate near windows and/or balcony/terrace doors.

The Corcoran Group Gallery Office will be closed Saturday and Sunday. Sunday open houses are cancelled. All NYC mass transportation will close Sat at 12 noon.

Hoping these proceedures will be unneccessary and it turns out to be nothing big and you and your families are all safe!


Download NYC Hurricane Guide

For up to minute information: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#IRENE


iPhone Photo Courtesy of:

Mitchell Hall, Associate Broker, The Corcoran Group Real Estate

 

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All content/images, unless noted, are the property of Mitchell Hall & may not be used without permission. 

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          Call Mitchell Hall @ 917-312-0924
          Email: mh@MitchellHall.com

Comments (2)

Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Mitchell,

Ron and I are wishing and praying that the storm ignores you...All the best, A

Aug 26, 2011 08:55 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Mitchell Can you believe we are having a Hurricane of this magnitude .Last week an earthquake now a hurricane ,Please stay safe .

Aug 26, 2011 09:00 AM