June 27, 2022
Be prepared for a Hurricane in Hudson Square!
Coastal storms, including nor’easters, tropical storms and hurricanes, can and do affect New York City. It’s important New Yorkers take the time to prepare. All residents should have a plan in the event they need to evacuate or ride out the storm at home.
Find out which Hurricane Evacuation Zone you live in by searching for your address using the Know Your Zone map.
Hudson Square falls into FOUR different zones. It’s important to know which one your business, office or home is in so you can prepare accordingly.

Steps to prepare for a Hurricane:
- Stay informed
- Sign up for NotifyNYC, New York City’s official source for information about emergency alerts and important city services. NotifyNYC will alert you to weather emergencies, utility outages, local mass transit disruptions and much more.
- Make a plan
- Use the My Emergency Workbook to create an emergency plan with your office or family.
- Know where you will meet family, friends, or caregivers after an emergency. Pick two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship.
- Identify all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
- Plan for everybody’s needs, including seniors; people with disabilities, access and functional needs; children; non-English speakers; and pets and service animals.
- Gather Supplies
- Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry
- Bottled water and nonperishable food, such as granola bars
- Copies of your important documents in a waterproof container (e.g., insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage and birth certificates, copies of credit and ATM cards)
- Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries
- List of the medications you take, why you take them, and their dosages
- Contact information for your household and members of your support network
- Cash, in small bills
- First-aid kit
- Toiletries
- Child care, pet care, and other special items
- Supplies for your service animal or pet
- Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry

Evacuations
Evacuation should be addressed as part of everyone’s planning efforts. City officials will tell you when to evacuate through the media and direct warnings. Evacuation is used as a last resort when a serious threat to public safety exists. If you must evacuate, your first plan should always be to stay with friends or family.
What to do when you have to evacuate:
- If there is time, secure your home: close and lock windows and doors, and unplug appliances before you leave. Authorities will instruct you if it is necessary to turn off utilities.
- Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Bring your Go Bag with you.
- Do NOT use an elevator during a fire or other emergency unless directed to do so by emergency personnel. If power goes out or is shut off, you may become trapped.
If you are directed to evacuate, make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the affected area whenever possible. For evacuees who have no alternative shelter, the City will open shelters throughout the five boroughs. Disaster shelters may be set up in school, municipal buildings, and places of worship. They provide basic food and water. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, medications, and your Go Bag to shelters.
If you are not ordered to evacuate:
- Be prepared to lose power. Make sure you have all recommended items in your emergency supply kit in case you lose power or other basic services. If you have concerns about how a loss of power, basic services, and public transportation may affect you, consider evacuating.
- Shelter in place. If you do not need to evacuate, shelter in place and make use of your emergency supply kit. Stay away from windows in case they break or shatter and stay indoors to avoid hurricane hazards.
- Stay informed and connected. Listen to local weather forecasts and announcements from officials. NYC Emergency Management will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels.
What to do after a hurricane
- Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
- It may take longer than usual to restore power and water if they are out. Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning if you use a generator.
- Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.