U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley Advises Caution for Potentially Dangerous Weather Heading our Way.

U.S. Congressman Crowley is making sure everyone is prepared for the upcoming Hurricane scheduled to hit NYC and the surrounding area this weekend. He sent the following letter discussing prudent measure to consider and useful contact numbers in case of an emergency. One valid point is to be watchful of the elderly in our community. Please do review and please do be prepared.

Gregory
*******

August 25, 2011

Dear Friends,

It appears that we will be facing some extreme and potentially dangerous weather this weekend.

As Hurricane Irene approaches the New York area, I wanted to share with you some information from the Red Cross and New York City's Office of Emergency Management to help us all prepare for the storm.

Also, if you have neighbors who are elderly or otherwise might not be able to care for themselves, I hope you take a moment to check in with them and make sure they have the necessary supplies, such as groceries, flashlights, batteries and bottled water.

New York City's Office of Emergency Management has compiled a list of things to do to prepare for the storm. To view the complete list log onto: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/downloads/pdf/hurricane_brochure.pdf

Below are tips from the Red Cross. To see the entire Red Cross list log onto; http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Hurricane.pdf

o Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
o Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
o Bring inside anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
o Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
o Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
o Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
o Fill your car's gas tank.
o Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
o Learn about your community's hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
o Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

Lastly, if you experience any problems, please call 3-1-1. In case of a serious emergency, dial 9-1-1.

My office is here to help you, whether you need help with accessing assistance or have any questions or concerns. Please don't hesitate to be in touch. And, please take every possible precaution to keep you and your family safe this weekend.

Sincerely,
Joe Crowley

Bronx Office
2800 Bruckner Blvd, Suite 301
Bronx, NY 10465
Phone: (718) 931-1400

Co-op City Office
177 Dreiser Loop, Room 3
Bronx, NY 10475
Phone: (718) 320-2314