How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in NYC
Posted in Senior Health Care Tips
September is national preparedness month and in observation of the occasion, we would like to share some tips and resources to help residents better prepare for common emergency situations we face in the city. This week, we will discuss how to manage the risk of hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and other heavy storms. 
Understanding hurricanes and heavy storms
Hurricane season in New York runs from June 1st through November 30th, but heavy storms can occur at any time of year.
During a hurricane or heavy storm, there are four major hazards to consider:
Storm Surges are a dome of ocean water pushed by the force of the storm onto land, creating tall, powerful waves that can wash several miles onto land. These waves can damage buildings, move vehicles, and cause significant injury to those in its path.
Heavy Wind can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles, damaging property and causing injury.
Heavy rain can rapidly accumulate and result in flooding, potentially damaging buildings and, in the case of basement or ground-floor apartments or underground subway stations, create significant risk of drowning.
Power outages are common during storms and can be localized to small parts of the city or entire boroughs. While they do not pose a direct hazard, the loss of power can impact the ability to get clean water in many buildings and potentially interfere with the operation of medical devices.
Early warning is key
Hurricanes are most dangerous to those outside during the storm, or those living in areas prone to storm surge or flooding. As a result, early warning and knowledge of your home’s flood risk are the best ways to remain safe.
The best way to stay in the know about possible storms is by signing up for Notify NYC by text message. This free service alerts participants to developing storms and other hazards, and can be customized by supplying a zip code with local alerts.
Furthermore, extensive research has been done in NYC to develop flood maps which can give residents a better idea of whether their home might be at risk during a serious storm. These maps are updated with flood warnings in real time.
When considering your flood risk, make note of your location’s flood evacuation zone, which is used when the city recommends residents move from their location prior to serious flooding.
Build a support network
Regardless of your age or physical ability, it is important to have a communication network established prior to a major storm. A good rule of thumb is to have one person within walking distance, one person elsewhere in the city, and one person outside the city who you remain in regular contact with. This way, if you encounter an emergency and first responders are unreachable due to demand, others can either coordinate assistance or reach out to emergency workers on your behalf.
Sheltering in place
Unless you are in an active flood zone, remaining at home is almost always safer during a storm. To make a shelter in place plan work, it is important that you take time prior to a storm to ensure your home is secured and you have ample supplies.
- Prior to a storm, ensure your home has sufficient food and bottled water to last three to five days. Generally, it is recommended that each adult resident have access to about one gallon of water per day, per person.
- When a storm begins, residents are recommended to augment their water supply by filling their bathtubs and sinks with tap water, which can be used for bathing or as backup drinking water.
- If you receive a storm warning, take some time to walk around your home and secure any loose objects or outdoor furniture that might be picked up by the wind.
- If you depend on prescription medication, be sure to get any prescriptions refilled prior to a storm. This will ensure you receive the medication you need and are not obligated to leave your home.
- If you or another resident is dependent on any type of powered medical device, be sure to discuss backup power options with your medical providers. They may recommend battery banks or a small generator to ensure the device remains powered in the event of an emergency.
- Falling tree branches can lead to power outages in some parts of the city. Analog/landline telephones, flashlights, and batteries will help you stay connected to others and ride out the worst of the storm.
- Consider turning your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to prevent spoiling in the event power is lost.
- You may notice taller, high rise buildings sway slightly in heavy wind. Do not be alarmed, as this is a design feature in most modern buildings.
- If your home is being hit particularly hard by wind or debris, do not go outside. Instead, move to an interior room of your home with as few windows as possible.
Evacuation
Evacuation during a hurricane or heavy storm is usually a last resort, as travel during a storm is extremely hazardous. If you live in a basement apartment or a zone that will likely flood, leaving prior to rainfall is almost always safer than waiting to see what will happen.
If your home is likely to face the brunt of a storm, it is wise to arrange for temporary lodgings in a friend or family member’s home located in a more resilient part of the city. If that is not an option, it is highly recommended that you reach out to 311 to discuss your specific needs and determine a reasonable evacuation solution.
Should evacuation be needed, the city strongly recommends preparing a go-bag, which carries things like important documents, medication, clothing, and supplies needed to get you through several days away from home. Read our article for more details on building a senior-specific go-bag here.
To learn more about evacuation and other general hurricane preparedness tips, we recommend downloading and reviewing the New York Emergency Management office’s hurricane preparedness guide.
SelectCare hopes you found this guide on hurricane safety useful. SelectCare has served New York families for 40 years, and our nursing team builds emergency preparedness tools and resources into every client’s care plan, taking into consideration their needs, mobility, and risk level for common hazards.
To learn more about how we help, call SelectCare, read testimonials from past and current SelectCare clients, or request a free in-home health care guide today.