Shelter from the really big storm

It’s been nearly 25 years since Hurricane Gloria hit New York City and scientists say that there is nearly a one-in-three chance of a hurricane hitting our area in 2010.

Hurricanes, cyclone-like tropical storms with winds that can exceed 200 mph, are “the most powerful accumulations of energy on Earth,” according to Michael Starobin a researcher with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Experts at the city’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) suggest that those living in flood-prone areas, in places like the Rockaways, Broad Channel, Howard Beach, South Ozone Park, Laurelton, as well as parts of Astoria, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, Elmhurst and Long Island City, may need to evacuate their homes if a hurricane is going to hit.

There are 16 OEM-certified hurricane shelters serving Queens, others may be set up by the American Red Cross – but authorities suggest that you clear out early and seek shelter with family or friends located outside the evacuation zones.

“Be in a place free of any glass or flying debris. It should be a place absent of windows so there are no injuries from falling glass,” said Ed Locke, Director of Public Safety at Queensborough Community College, a designated evacuation center located on high ground at 222-05 56th Avenue in Bayside.

Experts say that if you live in a low lying area, when a hurricane warning comes, grab your Go Bag (see box) and head to the nearest evacuation center.

Make sure you have a household disaster plan – including a meeting place in case the family is not together when the warning comes. Turn off any propane tanks and electrical equipment, grab a sleeping bag or bedding and don’t forget your pets (see article.)

Historically, one could expect eight to 10 hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin per year. However, since 1995, the number of hurricanes has increased dramatically – as many as 27 per year. The 2005 hurricane season alone broke 17 separate records, according to David Stroud at NASA.

Last year was quiet, with nine tropical storms and only three hurricanes. Nevertheless, OEM and the shelters are at the ready.

“We have gone through drills with the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) and have done work with the Red Cross,” said Lieutenant Tyrone Forte, Assistant Director of Public Safety at York College, located at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in Jamaica,

“York is fully prepared to serve the community in event of a hurricane,” he said.

With additional reporting by Victor G. Mimoni

You can find out if you live in a hurricane zone and which evacuation center is closest to you by typing in your address at www.NYC.gov/hurricanezones. Here are the 16 hurricane evacuation centers in Queens:

CENTRAL QUEENS

Christ the King High School – 68-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills

Forest Hills High School – 67-01 110th Street

Hillcrest High School – 160-05 Highland Avenue

Queens College – 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing

SOUTHERN QUEENS:

Aqueduct Racetrack – Rockaway Boulevard and 108th Street

Belmont Racetrack – Hempstead Turnpike and the Cross Island Parkway

York College – 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica

NORTHWEST QUEENS

Aviation High School – 45-30 36th Street, in Long Island City

Newtown High School – 48-01 90th Street, Elmhurst