FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#14-23

NEW YORK CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR THE START OF ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON 

Hurricane Preparedness Week is an opportunity to prepare ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season 
New creative highlights the impact of Superstorm Sandy on communities and the importance of preparation

May 5, 2023 – As National Hurricane Preparedness Week wraps up, NYC Emergency Management encourages New Yorkers to prepare for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season. Though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has not yet released the latest hurricane forecast for the season, we know all it takes is one storm to cause devastation to our City. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc on our City; with some communities still struggling to recover more than 10 years later. New York City has also learned a lot since Superstorm Sandy, specifically the importance of building out strong community networks that can assist during emergencies such as coastal storms. To learn more about how Superstorm Sandy impacted NYC communities and the improvements made since click here to watch our new creative. 

“The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1, don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare your family. I urge New Yorkers to take the first step in preparation – Know Your Zone.” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “In the event of a significant coastal storm, City officials may issue evacuation orders based on what zone you reside in. New Yorkers can find out what zone they live in by visiting NYC.gov/knowyourzone or calling 3-1-1.”

While New York is most at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes from August to October, the City plans and prepares year-round for coastal storms. NYC Emergency Management encourages residents to take three key steps to prepare for hurricane season:

• KNOW YOUR ZONE – Areas of the city subject to storm surge flooding are divided into six evacuation zones. During a coastal storm, and evacuation order may be issued for those living in hurricane evacuation zone. To find out if you are one of the three million New Yorkers living in a hurricane evacuation zone visit, NYC.gov/KnowYourZone.
  
  
• MAKE A PLAN – Have a plan before the storm arrives to help keep you and your family safe. New Yorkers can find resources to help them develop an emergency plan by visiting NYC.gov/ReadyNY
  
  
• STAY INFORMED – Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City of New York's official, free emergency communications program. Register for emergency notifications by getting the free Notify NYC mobile application, visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc, contacting 311 or following @NotifyNYC on Twitter. Notify NYC messages are available in 14 languages including American Sign Language. 

For more information on how to prepare for coastal storm season, visit NYC.gov/KnowYourZone.

MEDIA CONTACT:            Press Office: Press@oem.nyc.gov

STAY CONNECTED:         Twitter:           @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications)

                                                                 @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

                                           Facebook:        /NYCemergencymanagement