There is talk to help Howard Beach in case of another flooding disaster.
The neighborhood lies on the edge of Evacuation Zone A, which, for Queens, includes the Rockaways, parts of Long Island City, Broad Channel and nearby Hamilton Beach.
But Howard Beach residents were not told to leave the area, putting lives on the line.
“Our lives were put in jeopardy,” said Joe Barretta, who lives on 95th Street in Old Howard Beach.
As flood waters rose, Howard Beach residents depended on the kindness – and quick thinking – of their neighbors to get them to safety.
Had it not been for heroism in the face of danger, Sandy’s death toll might have been significantly higher.
Which is why rezoning low-lying Howard Beach into Zone A is a good idea.
Going forward, it would prevent some of the massive damage to homes and threats to lives.
As anyone knows, in the face of natural disaster, preparedness is key.
Evacuating Howard Beach before a major storm just makes sense.
