As part of the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), we received the following information from the BID & www.nyc.gov about preparing for Hurricane Irene.  This storm is gearing up to be a doozy.  Please take it seriously & be prepared…

What can you do to prepare for Hurricane Irene?

1. Make an Emergency Supply Kit

It is possible that you may lose power and there is a chance that the MTA may shut down some of its services over the weekend. Stock your household with emergency food and supplies.

The Office of Emergency Management recommends that all NYC residents have emergency supply kits including the following:

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day
• Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and a manual can opener
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra 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, toothpaste, etc.
• Phone that does not rely on electricity
• Child care supplies or other special care items
• A small regional map

2. Read the Hurricane Preparedness Guide

The Office of Emergency Management also has available a Hurricane Preparedness Guide. Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City includes general tips on how to prepare for any emergency, instructions on how to develop a hurricane disaster plan and secure your home before a storm, and a map of New York City hurricane evacuation zones.

3. Print out a checklist from the Red Cross

The American Red Cross suggests that you designate a meeting spot and set up alternative sleeping arrangements in case you and your family members are separated.  The Red Cross has printable checklists in a variety of languages on its website.

4. Visit Governor Cuomo’s website for Hurricane FAQs and some more tips and resources on storm preparation.  Check whether you live in an evacuation zone and determine your level of risk.  Let your family know you are okay on the Red Cross Safe and Well web page.

If you have any questions or concerns, call 311 or go to www.NYC.gov/OEM.