FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release 03-019
September 16, 2003

NYC OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AS HURRICANE ISABEL MOVES NORTH

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is currently tracking Hurricane Isabel. OEM Commissioner John T. Odermatt urges all New Yorkers to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their families and property from the storm. “OEM is monitoring Isabel as we do all hurricanes and tropical storms,” he said. “If the storm’s track turns sharply from its projected path to the north and east, we will implement the City's hurricane plans, should they become necessary. As with any emergency, being prepared is essential.”

Hurricane Isabel is currently moving north-northwestward near eight miles per hour and is positioned 600 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. OEM advises New Yorkers to stay tuned to television and radio news broadcasts for further information and updates as the storm progresses.

OEM also urges New Yorkers to take reasonable precautions to prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Isabel making landfall in the New York City area. Residents should secure loose objects to reduce hazards in the event of high winds. Now is also a good time for New Yorkers to familiarize themselves with their hurricane risk by calling 311 or accessing OEM’s website at NYC.gov/oem.

Residents should ensure their “Go Bag,” Emergency Supply Kit and Household Disaster Plan are ready to go. See the attached checklists for further details regarding these kits’ contents.

In addition to these tips, residents may want consider filling the gas tanks on their cars, as gas stations may lose the ability to pump gas in the event of a severe storm. 

OEM will continue to closely monitor the situation and advise residents of any further safety measures. For more information, or to receive a copy of “Ready New York,” New Yorkers can log on to OEM’s website at NYC.gov/oem or call 311.

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PRESS CONTACT: Jarrod Bernstein (718)-422-4888