NYC OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROVIDES UPDATE ON CITY’S RESPONSE TO YESTERDAY’S SEVERE WEATHER

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENDED IN COMMUNITY BOARDS 7, 10, 12 AND 14 FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 10TH

The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is coordinating the City’s response to the severe weather that impacted several neighborhoods on Wednesday. Streets flooded and trees were downed citywide, especially in the Sunset Park and Bay Ridge areas Brooklyn. OEM, along with several City agencies, including the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU), the Fire Department (FDNY), the Police Department (NYPD) and the Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP), Buildings (DOB), Homeless Services (DHS), Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Consumer Affairs (DCA), Parks (DPR), Transportation (DOT) Sanitation (DSNY) and Small Business Services (SBS) are operating in Sunset Park and Bay Ridge. They are joined by personnel from the American Red Cross.

Residents should call 311 to report property damage as a result of the storms. Assessment teams from the Department of Buildings are in the area and will determine whether properties are safe to reenter.

While clearing debris from the Sunset Park and Bay Ridge area, the Department of Environmental Protection tested 10 samples of roofing asphalt for asbestos, a material once widely used as a strengthening and fireproofing agent. Three of the 10 samples tested positive. Asbestos fibers can pose health hazards when inhaled regularly over long periods. But because the asbestos used in roofing materials is sealed in asphalt, it is highly unlikely that fibers would be released into the air, where they could be inhaled. As a precaution to the public, the Department of Design and Construction has brought in a certified contractor to conduct asbestos abatement.

The following is a summary of the City’s efforts to quickly respond to this morning’s weather, assess damage and clean and reopen affected areas:

NYPD

The Police Department continues to provide security for homes unoccupied as a result of the storm and well as traffic control required by street closings in the effected areas.

FDNY

The Fire Department responded to more than 500 emergency calls citywide yesterday for fallen trees, limbs, downed overhead wires, flooding. FDNY provided structural damage assessments for more than 40 buildings.

DOB

DOB has posted yellow placards on 6 buildings. Buildings with yellow placards do not necessarily have an unsafe condition, but do have some type of damage that prevents safe occupancy. The yellow placards outline restrictions for use of the property.

DOB is visiting the emergency shelter today to hand out guidelines on steps property owners must take in order for the Buildings Department to lift the vacate orders. New Yorkers whose buildings were affected should call 311 to learn about the steps they must take as property owners.

The Buildings Department is advising New Yorkers who are concerned their buildings may have sustained damage from last night’s storm to call 311. If residents see an emergency, call 911. Buildings inspectors and engineers are standing by to provide assistance to any New Yorker who suspects their buildings sustained damage from the storm.

HPD

HPD, along with personnel from the FDNY and DOB, are conducting rapid assessments of buildings throughout the Sunset Park and Bay Ridge area. HPD contractors were dispatched to the area to help clear debris and to begin effecting emergency repair. Once emergency repairs have rendered buildings safe, private contractors hired by property owners will complete any necessary repairs.

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