Bay Ridge

Hurricane season is almost here, time to prepare

May 25, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
As the board in the Assembly Chamber shows, Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis sponsored a resolution on Hurricane Preparedness Week. Photo courtesy of Malliotakis
Share this:

With hurricane season arriving less than a month away, lawmakers are stepping up efforts to get the public to prepare for big storms and increase the odds of survival should another Superstorm Sandy arrive on U.S. shores.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. 

As part of a public awareness effort, the New York State Assembly recently passed a resolution sponsored by Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-Bay Ridge-Staten Island) that recognized May 15-21 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Subscribe to our newsletters

Malliotakis said she sponsored the resolution to emphasize the importance of preparedness in the event of a natural disaster.

“Following the devastation felt in our community as a result of Hurricane Sandy it is critically important that families are prepared in the event of another super-storm,” said Malliotakis.

The Staten Island portion of her district sustained heavy damage when Superstorm Sandy hit New York on Oct. 29, 2012.

“This resolution reminds us that hurricane season begins in just a few weeks and while we can’t predict when and where the next one will hit, we can certainly take all measures necessary to ensure we are prepared and protected,” Malliotakis said.

Even though Hurricane Preparedness Week is over, it’s still a good idea for residents to think about how they would react to a natural disaster, Malliotakis said.

She urged New Yorkers to take time to prepare themselves for hurricane season by taking the following steps:

 

  • Developing a household evacuation plan.

  • Becoming familiar with safe routes and official shelter locations.

  • Storing important documents in a waterproof container and have financial means readily available.

  • Keeping trees around a home trimmed to prevent damage.

  • Reviewing insurance policies to ensure proper coverage.

  • Preparing an emergency supply kit, including a flashlight, radio, batteries and first-aid kit.

  • Making arrangements for where to relocate pets during the storm.

  • Encouraging family members to learn basic safety and first-aid measures.

  • Stocking up on prescribed medication and supplies for family members with special needs.

  • Preparing an emergency phone list.

 

For more information on how to best prepare for a major storm in New York City, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/coastal-storms-hurricanes.page.


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment