UPDATE: Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governer’s Island will close until further notice beginning noon tomorrow, Saturday 27 August.
Looking at the sunny skies this afternoon, it’s hard to believe an unprecedented storm is moving our way and may hit NYC this weekend. Yup, subways will be shut down tomorrow afternoon and Mayor Bloomberg has asked certain areas of the city to evacuate–like Battery Park City and Coney Island. Since the East River is close to many of our homes, it may also be a good idea to keep our eyes open. To be honest, I’ve never been so happy to have the BQE between myself and the waterfront.
Though we won’t know until we know, here’s a few tips from New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in terms of gathering supplies in case of electric and gas outages. Pleae feel free to let us know if you have any other ideas or information you’d like to share.
Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, 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.
Child care supplies or other special care items