Public Advocate Bill de Blasio’s Constituent Services Unit has compiled steps New Yorkers can take to prepare for Hurricane Sandy. The 11-page guide details ways to ready homes and apartments before the storm, how to report power outages and flooding, and how to file insurance claims for storm-related damage. Its tips include:
Before the storm:
- Assemble your “Go Bag” of essentials including bottled water, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and emergency contact numbers.
- Determine if your home is located in an evacuation zone by visiting NYC.gov or calling 311. Monitor the news, NYC.gov or call 311 for evacuations bulletins.
- Remove loose or lightweight objects from porches, backyards, terraces and roof gardens and bring them inside.
During the storm:
- Report power outages at www.ConEd.com or 1-800-75-ConEd.
- Report flooding, downed trees, unstable scaffolding, or other storm-related clean-up needs by calling 311.
- Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
The guide also includes steps for after the storm, including:
- How to file a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance claim
- How to pump out a flooded basement and clean up mold
- How to request a reimbursement for spoiled food purchased with food stamps
The guide is being distributed in partnership with State Senators Eric Adams, Joseph Addabbo, Kevin Parker and John Sampson; Assembly Members Karim Camara, Richard Gottfried, and Aravella Simotas; and City Council Members Leroy Comrie, Letitia James, Peter Koo and Melissa Mark Viverito.
New Yorkers unable to reach 311 can call the Public Advocate’s hotline at 212-669-7250 or email gethelp@pubadvocate.nyc.gov.
Download or share the guide at: http://advocate.nyc.gov/storm
