Hurricane Sandy: Information

Issues: In the Community

Below, please find important information in the wake of Hurricane Sandy:

NYC Rapid Repairs:

  • This new and unprecedented program will send teams of contractors and City inspectors into neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Sandy and quickly and efficiently make necessary repairs to damaged homes.
  • The city is bringing in contractors who will be given responsibility for specific geographic areas hard hit by Sandy.
  • These contractors will be responsible for repairing the homes of anyone who wants to take part in NYC Rapid Repairs.
  • Beginning Tuesday 11/13, homeowners will be able sign up for NYC Rapid Repairs by going to NYC.gov or by calling 311.
  • You will need a FEMA ID number, which you can get by registering at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
  • For more information, call 311 or visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/rapid_repairs.html

Staying Warm in the Cold Weather:

Food, Water & Blanket Distribution Sites

  • The city has set up multiple distribution sites  in the hardest-hit areas of the city.  Food, water, blankets, baby formula, diapers, batteries and other supplies are available at all sites.
  • These sites are staffed by NYC Service volunteers, as well as the Salvation Army, and the National Guard.
  • The details of these sites, including the exact locations and hours of operation, can be found here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/foodandwater.html
  • They will be kept operational for as long as is needed, and no one who shows up for food and water will be turned away.
    • Each person will be able to take three meals and five bottles of water at these sites. 
    • People should bring their own bags to carry their food and water.
  • Local food trucks are giving away free hot meals at sites in the hardest-hit areas in a partnership arranged by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.  The locations and hours of operation can be found here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/hot_food.html

Personal Safety

  • Any food – including packaged food – that was touched by flood water should be thrown away.  The flood water may contain sewage or other toxic substances.
  • Other items that have been touched by flood water should be cleaned and disinfected.  This should be done as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
  • Tap water is safe to drink (except in Breezy Point, Queens)
  • Do not use generators or grills indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat when these devices are used indoors.  They should only be used outside and kept away from windows and vents.
  • Everyone should have and use battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms. They should test the batteries if possible.
  • If someone experiences sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, confusion, weakness or the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, they should immediately seek fresh air and call the poison control center at 212–POISONS (212-764-7667.) They can also call 911, since poisoning is life threatening.
  • Important guides on carbon monoxide poisoning and food safety can be found at nyc.gov/health.

Mass Transit:

  • Subways, railroads, and buses are operating on a modified basis.
    • All details on MTA service status can be found at: mta.info
    • Limited G and L train service has been restored.
    • The MTA will run replacement shuttle bus service on damaged portions of the A train.
    • Full N service has been restored.
  • Staten Island Ferry service is running on its regular schedule.
  • The East River Ferry is running.
  • Rockaway Ferry information can be found here: http://www.nycedc.com/blog-entry/new-rockaway-ferry-service
  • PATH service is still suspended.
  • NJ Transit services have been restored on a modified basis.  Details are here: njtransit.com.

Downed Trees and Power Lines

For your own safety, stay clear of any downed power lines and trees. Power lines may still be live, making them extremely dangerous. Immediately report downed power lines and power outages to Con Edison at www.conEd.com or by calling 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

Downed trees can be reported by calling 3-1-1.

Disaster Assistance

President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared New York City, including Queens and the Bronx, a major disaster area. This declaration makes residents and businesses eligible for vital disaster assistance, including home and property loans, help with finding and paying for temporary housing, and business loans.

Anyone affected by Sandy (homeowners, renters, and businesses) can apply for federal disaster assistance. Register at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)

Before you call, be sure to have the following information ready:

  • Address of affected property
  • Insurance information
  • Social Security number

Schools

  • Public schools are open.
  • Some schools will remain closed for some time.  Parents of students in those affected schools should watch for communication from their schools or:
    • Visit nyc.gov/schools
    • Call 311
    • Text the words “nyc schools” or “escuela” to 877-877

Power

  • Anyone without power who is using candles for light should be extremely careful - do not leave them burning through the night and do not leave them unattended.
  • Do not use generators or grills indoors.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat when these devices are used indoors.  They should only be used outside and kept away from windows and vents.
  • Everyone should have and use battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms. They should test the batteries if possible.
  • If someone experiences sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, confusion, weakness or the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, they should immediately seek fresh air and call the poison control center at 212–POISONS (212-764-7667.) They can also call 911, since poisoning is life threatening.
  • Important guides on carbon monoxide poisoning and food safety can be found at nyc.gov/health.

Support to Businesses

  • The City has put together information for businesses affected by the storm. For information, please contact NYC Business Solutions by calling 3-1-1 or click here.  
  • Businesses may also apply for federal disaster assistance. Register at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA)

Volunteers and Donations

  • Many New Yorkers have expressed their desire to help by volunteering.  More information can be found at: nyc.gov/service

Shelters

Parks & Beaches

  • Some parks remain closed because of tree work. Details on park closures can be found at: nyc.gov/parks
  • All beaches, which have experienced a great deal of erosion over these two storms, will be closed.
     

***Information updated 12/11/12***