Is Queens Prepared In Case Of Flooding?

With two major hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, devastating parts of the Gulf Coast during the past month, New Yorkers and Queens residents are preparing for the possibility that a potential catastrophic storm could hit this area.
The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is currently working with a number of other organizations, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in order to make sure that the city is prepared for potential storms.
“They identified what areas of the city are subject to storm surges,” said OEM spokesman Andrew Troise. “Much of it is in the Long Island Sound or Jamaica Bay.”
Currently, OEM is working on plans that will provide shelter for those who live in evacuation zones as well as educating the public so they know what to do prior to the hurricane hitting the area.
OEM has already distributed over 100,000 brochures with tips including an “emergency supply kit” to keep in the house as well as preparing a “go bag” with essential items that a person can take with them if they need to evacuate quickly.
Twenty-three reception centers will be set up throughout the city with Queens locations in Long Island City, Middle Village, Howard Beach, Jamaica and an area near Belmont Racetrack. Once residents are at the reception centers, and depending on the severity of the storm, OEM will be able to direct them to shelters that will be available throughout the city.
The Middle Village location, Christ the King High School, has recently come under some scrutiny because school officials are not sure the location is ideal if a Category 5 storm hits.
“The structure is sound,” Troise said. “There will be some ponding, but it will not affect the structure of the building.”
While OEM is confident in the site and has no immediate plans to choose a different location, Troise said that plans could still be changed.
“This isn’t a plan that is set in stone,” he said. “We are always looking for alternatives.”
Others demanded flexibility.
“These plans, while comprehensive, must be open to changes and improvements,” said Councilmember Peter Vallone, chair of the Public Safety Committee.
Weeks before Katrina made landfall, the OEM began an advertising campaign hoping to promote hurricane awareness throughout the city.
“We hope this new ad campaign will encourage New Yorkers to find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and make sure they address hurricanes as part of their disaster plans,” said OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno.
To receive a hurricane preparedness brochure, or to check if you are in an evacuation zone, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/html/oem/.
pdavis@queenscourier.com