Hurricane Irene

[SOUSGT 357]

NYC is going to DEFCON 2. Ordered evacuations of hospitals and nursing homes in flood zones. They anticipate shutting down mass transit (trains, subways and buses)sometime Saturday afternoon. NYPD has deployed rowboats to station houses.

You have to love Bloomberg, calm, knew his facts and all without a teleprompter. Nice to see that he was in town when it hits the fan.

[abaduck 123]

You have to love Bloomberg, calm, knew his facts and all without a teleprompter. Nice to see that he was in town when it hits the fan.

I'd love him more if he wasn't trying to close so many FDNY companies, but that's just me...

As for the storm, hopefully they'll make less of a hash of it than they did that last big blizzard... I'll admit he sounds as if he has his s*** together.

Mike

[SpartanML 0]

A local meteorologist has posted this summary of what he thinks is going to happen so far. I follow him religiously in the winter and he has yet to let me down with his calls. Worth a read or at least a skim over. http://networkedblogs.com/m9sdX

[wraftery 1,275]

From Virginia Beach area:

Mandatory evacuations for most of the Outer banks starting 0800 Fri including residents. (Visitor evac was Thur.)

Mandatory evac for Sandbridge (a barrier island, part of Va Beach) it sounds like it will also include VBFD Sta 17

One of my sons is working already, the other is recalled as of 0001 Fri

[efdcapt115 1,511]

You have to love Bloomberg, calm, knew his facts and all without a teleprompter. Nice to see that he was in town when it hits the fan.

As opposed to the snowstorm when he was a headless chicken? No disrespect for your opinion Bro, but I hate Bloomberg as much as he hates the Fire Dept., and can't wait to see him gone from office. Just my opinion.

[61MACKBR1 222]

What are some of the Westchester County Fire Departments and Districts planning as it relates to preparing for this storm (Extra Crew, Extra Rigs, etc). Would be interested in hearing about such departments as Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains, Eastchester as well as the County Department of Emergency Services. With extreme flooding and wind damaged anticipated, it would be interesting to see what contingencies each department is planning on putting in place

[efdcapt115 1,511]

What are some of the Westchester County Fire Departments and Districts planning as it relates to preparing for this storm (Extra Crew, Extra Rigs, etc). Would be interested in hearing about such departments as Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains, Eastchester as well as the County Department of Emergency Services. With extreme flooding and wind damaged anticipated, it would be interesting to see what contingencies each department is planning on putting in place

Since you mentioned my former department, I can tell you what I WOULD do; 24 hours before the storms arrival, I'd activate all spare apparatus, prep the Zodiac for potential action/rescue of stranded motorists on the Bronx River/Hutchinson River, equip ALL apparatus with life-rings, life-saving ropes, and life jackets, and finally recall off-duty personnel so that all rigs are staffed with three firefighters and an officer.

Get the rigs filled up with diesel, stock up on 5 gallon plastic Jerry-cans and fill those with fuel for generators and pumps, and make contingency plans for a secondary place to refill apparatus, in case the primary pumps fail or are flooded.

I'd call a Southern Westchester Chiefs emergency meeting, coordinate with SEMO and FEMA, and find out what funding might be available for reimbursement from the county, State or Feds.

Good luck Brothers, it might be a difficult storm for the entire tri-state area. Safe Ops. Refer to the thread about turnout gear keeping you afloat while wearing an SCBA, and be sure to sound off with a pike pole IFO, if you must enter a flooded area to facilitate a rescue.

[efdcapt115 1,511]

NYC Hospitals and Nursing Facilities being evacuated as per NY News 1:

Zone A Medical Facilities (According To NYC OEM)

5 Hospitals

Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn (run by New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation [HHC])

NYU Hospitals Center, Manhattan (run by Greater New York Hospital Association)

Veterans Administration Medical Center, Manhattan (run by GNYHA)

Staten Island University South (run by GNYHA)

Staten Island University North (run by GNYHA)

8 Nursing homes

Brooklyn:

Menorah Home & Hospital for Aged (run by Continuing Care Leadership Coalition)

Saint Joachim and Anne Residence (run by State Department of Health)

Sea-Crest Health Care Center (run by Greater New York Health Care Facilities Association)

Shorefront Jewish Geriatric Center (run by CCLC)

Shoreview Nursing Home (run by GNYHCFA)

Queens:

West Lawrence Care Center (run by GNYHCFA)

Oceanview Nursing & Rehab Center (run by GNYHCFA)

Brookhaven Rehab and Health Care (run by GNYHCFA)

http://queens.ny1.com/content/top_stories/145829/hurricane-watchcity-braces-for-storm-s-impact--hospital-evacuations-underway

[mfc2257 464]

NYC Hospitals and Nursing Facilities being evacuated as per NY News 1:

http://queens.ny1.com/content/top_stories/145829/hurricane-watchcity-braces-for-storm-s-impact--hospital-evacuations-underway

So NYU is evacuating but Beth Israel and Bellevue aren't?

[efdcapt115 1,511]

Bloombag on TV right now calling for a mandatory evacuation of the entire Rockaways....

[TRUCK6018 50]

All MTA NYC Transit buses and subways will begin suspending operations @ 12 noon on Saturday.

[Spartan052 43]

At the helm of 60 Control for the Sunday day shift.... NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!

i know im waiting for multiple calls including a standby at the firehouse

Edited August 30, 2011 by Spartan052

[Guest FD50]

What are some of the Westchester County Fire Departments and Districts planning as it relates to preparing for this storm (Extra Crew, Extra Rigs, etc). Would be interested in hearing about such departments as Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains, Eastchester as well as the County Department of Emergency Services. With extreme flooding and wind damaged anticipated, it would be interesting to see what contingencies each department is planning on putting in place

Somers is having stand-by with U-5 ( Mini rescue/pumps/generators/fire police material. Also I believe with MA-14, Which has alot of things on it. I am not sure if they are getting the boat out or not.

SS!

[xfirefighter484x 234]

Taken from a friend's FB posting:

Now THERE'S a thought... Emergency Responders ONLY responding to ACTUAL Emergencies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a Press Release from Dutchess Co:

Date: August 25, 2011

For Further Information Contact:

William R. Steinhaus, County Executive

845/486-2000

Dutchess County Prepares for Hurricane Irene

Emergency Operations Center to be activated

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Emergency Response officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Irene as it moves up the eastern coast toward New York. Over the past two days, there have been a series of meetings and conferences calls with a variety of county agencies and partners, including the National Weather Service, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Dutchess County Department of Public Works, Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps, New York State Emergency Management Office and Central Hudson.

“We are working with our county and partner agencies to identify and assess risks and potential impacts from Hurricane Irene,” said Dutchess County Emergency Response Coordinator Dana Smith. “The last rain event of this magnitude to impact this area was Hurricane Floyd in 1999, when 10 inches of rain fell. Hurricane Irene is predicted to bring similar or greater rainfall with the additional risk factor of high winds.”

The latest information provided by the National Weather Service in Albany anticipates Dutchess County will be impacted by Hurricane Irene this weekend. Winds are projected to escalate on Sunday morning, reaching 40 to 50 mph by noon. Winds are expected to increase into the evening, possibly reaching up to 70 mph. Rainfall of up to 10 to 12 inches is anticipated.

According to Mr. Smith, the Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated on an limited basis tomorrow and Saturday to continue monitoring weather conditions and continued coordination of county preparation efforts. The EOC will be fully activated on Sunday as the storm conditions reach the area.

Some of the current county preparation activities include:

Extra staffing is being coordinated for the weekend for the 911 Center and the Department of Public Works.

Contact names and numbers are being updated for weekend availability to ensure quick communication and response.

Aging Services – shelf stable meals have been delivered to vulnerable home delivered meal clients in the event that deliveries are interrupted on Monday.

Department of Planning & Development – utilizing GIS mapping technology to identify and monitor high risk areas.

Department of Public Works – sandbags and diesel fuel carrier on standby to support county and municipal agencies including fire and police departments.

Residents are also encouraged to take steps to prepare for the approaching storm. “We are advising residents whose homes and businesses are prone to flooding to take the necessary precautions to minimize any adverse impact due to the heavy rain,” said Emergency Response Coordinator Dana Smith. “The weather is difficult to predict, but it is best to err on the side of caution and take some simple steps to prevent possible flooding.”

Steps residents can take to minimize the impact of heavy rain and possible flooding include:

Keep drains clear of leaves and other debris.

Ensure that drainpipes are not obstructed.

Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside

Remove items stored in areas such as basements or sheds where flooding may have occurred in the past.

Heavy rains and flooding can be a problem for drivers, too. Residents are urged to exercise caution and heed the following travel advice to safely navigate wet roads:

Budget extra travel time to avoid being marooned on flooded roads.

Make sure you have enough fuel for your car.

Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.

DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.

With such heavy rainfall and high winds predicted, residents should be prepared for power outages and other storm related issues. A storm of this magnitude is certain to keep emergency responders very busy. A good rule of thumb is to be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days, no matter what the emergency. Below is a basic emergency checklist for families to use as a guide. Store items in watertight containers that can be easily moved.

Items to keep in your home for emergency use:

Water – one gallon per person per day.

Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water

Manual can opener

Radio – battery operated

Flashlight

Batteries

Personal hygiene items – toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, etc.

Cash – power outages could impact ATMs.

First Aid Kit

Copy of important documents and contact phone numbers

Medication & medical supplies used on a regular basis – be sure to have a supply to last for several days.

Large, heavy duty trash bags. Garbage service may be disrupted.

Pet supplies including food, water and extra litter

Many of the items listed above should also be part of an emergency “go kit” in the event of an evacuation. For complete checklists for emergency planning, including specific tips for preparing for storms, flooding, hurricanes and evacuations, visit the county’s website at www.dutchessny.gov and click on the Emergency Preparedness tab under Quick Links on the right side.

You can also follow the updates on Dutchess County Government’s social media pages including Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dutchess-County-Government/73646813346 and Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/DutchessCoGov

And from the Dutchess County Emergency Manager's Officer:

We have completed a conference call with the National Weather Service. Here is a summary of that call.

Main Weather Problem will be Winds and Heavy Rain as a result of Hurricane Irene

Wind Forecast:

Beginning Saturday evening after approx. 8 pm winds will start to intensify. By daybreak on Sunday winds are projected to be from 30 to – 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Winds will continue to increase over the course of the day reaching speeds of 60 to 70 mph during the afternoon, The current outlook shows the wind dying down after 8 pm Sunday evening to less than 30 mph.

Rainfall Forecast: widespread heavy rain is forecast. County wide, the forecast calls for 6 to 8 inches of rain. Obviously this will lead to local and potentially wide spread flooding. Currently watches are issued for all of Dutchess County. Please refer to the National Weather Service for the latest information on watches and advisories http://www.erh.noaa.gov/aly/

We will be on an additional call tomorrow for more updated information which will be distributed.

[Guest Firediver]

***FYI***

Just received this through my dept. email. Doesn't seem like a bad idea.

If you have a camera or video camera, take a few moments tonight and/or tomorrow morning to photograph/video the current condition of your dwelling as well as the items within your home or items that may be damaged by storm surges, high winds and/or flooding. Documentation of your assets and their condition prior to the hurricane will prove to be extremely useful when establishing value or "Proof of Loss" for a property damage claim resulting from the storm.

Exterior pictures of your home, condo/co-op, vehicles that are parked outside, detached structures (sheds etc.) - anything of value that could be damaged by high winds, falling trees or storm surge/flooding.

Interior pictures of items such furniture, area rugs (oriental etc.), electronics (TV, VCR, Gaming systems, audio systems, computers, printers, AV equipment, etc.), mechanicals (furnace/water heater/AC units etc.) Establishing the condition and value of an item damaged and/or lost becomes an area for dispute between the insurer and the insured. Pictures will be helpful to establish prior condition and prove ownership.

If you are concerned about flood/water damage, you may want to contact your insurance company prior to the storm to verify coverage and investigate if there are any additional measures you should consider.

[x129K 1,393]

I planned to photograph everything tommorow am. Good post.

The problem with adding flood insurance is it has a 30 day period until it can take effect, unless it is a condition of a mortgage. Calling now would be too late.

[JM15 386]

At what point do you determine it's "too dangerous" to respond? Is there a legal requirement to resound no matter what? how does that stuff work in? Bnechis?

[Chief21 8]

Interesting conversation today with local emergency IC's.

The Walkway Over the Hudson, Located at Poughkeepsie, NY:

The Structural members on the coast are not hurricaine rated and may only with stand winds up to maybe 90 mph.

Beyond this it has the potential to break away from the anchor points and fall apart.

I know this does not involve evacuations, as do the previous postings, but if this occurs what are the results?

MTA railroads will be impassable with steel and concrete

Homes may be compromised and injuries from debrie

Close access along a major highway, with possible MVA's

Unknown rescues/recoveries?

A structure such as this bridge which has made it through so many disasters may not make it through this one.

On another note, a notification was made that if the winds get over 60 mph the bridges over the Hudson River will be closed.

To all be safe out there.

[x129K 1,393]

Interesting conversation today with local emergency IC's.

The Walkway Over the Hudson, Located at Poughkeepsie, NY:

The Structural members on the coast are not hurricaine rated and may only with stand winds up to maybe 90 mph.

Beyond this it has the potential to break away from the anchor points and fall apart.

I know this does not involve evacuations, as do the previous postings, but if this occurs what are the results?

MTA railroads will be impassable with steel and concrete

Homes may be compromised and injuries from debrie

Close access along a major highway, with possible MVA's

Unknown rescues/recoveries?

A structure such as this bridge which has made it through so many disasters may not make it through this one.

On another note, a notification was made that if the winds get over 60 mph the bridges over the Hudson River will be closed.

To all be safe out there.

The Walkway is a MAJOR concern for the City of Poughkeepsie. Already today, members of the police department, the fire department, and the Mayor himself have gone door to door to advise residents within an approximate 500 foot "danger zone" of a voluntary evacuation.

The City 911 Center is keeping a very close eye on winds and storm tracks in preparation for Irene.

[helicopper 1,050]

At what point do you determine it's "too dangerous" to respond? Is there a legal requirement to resound no matter what? how does that stuff work in? Bnechis?

I know of no legal requirement to respond if it will endanger responders.

In some states once sustained winds reach Tropical Storm force, response policies change and many agencies stop responses until the winds subside.

I have no idea what will be done here in NY this weekend.

[38ff 250]

Ulster county fire dispatch put out an announcement that as of 2100 hours tommorrow, all low priority calls will be phoned from county to the dept, and only hi priority calls will be toned out.

[Bnechis 3,961]

At what point do you determine it's "too dangerous" to respond? Is there a legal requirement to resound no matter what? how does that stuff work in? Bnechis?

There are no direct legal requiremnts, however The General Duty Clause of OSHA states:

29 U.S.C. § 654, 5(a)1: Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."

In some states once sustained winds reach Tropical Storm force, response policies change and many agencies stop responses until the winds subside.

Generally, thats close. We use (and got from many Fl. Depts) Sustained gail force winds (39 mph), but only if it is ahead of a hurricane.

[wraftery 1,275]

29 U.S.C. § 654, 5(a)1: Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees."

Read it 3 times.... Does that include going to fires? If not, why not? One day we will be able to pick and choose what we will or will not go out the door for.

Is the scene safe?" This line is heard in almost every training session.

No, it's not safe; thats why they called us! If it were safe, any a$$ could take care of it.

[RescueKujo 130]

Thoughts and prayers to my fellow members on the East Coast. I know what you're about to go through, as in 1985 while in the Air Force I was stationed at Eglin AFB on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Hurricane Elena bounced around the Gulf of Mexico all Labor Day weekend, and finally made landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi with sustained winds of 115 mph. I managed a Red Cross evacuation center in the panhandle of Florida near the Alabama state line. I can still remember the howl of the wind and the slashing sideways rain.

Stay safe and take care of your families.

Duane

[61MACKBR1 222]

Question for Captain Bnechis (New Rochelle), Chief Fitzpatrick (Yonkers) and Captain Dempsey (Eastchester): Are there plans to activate any additional reserve fire companies, manned by off duty personnel, throughout New Rochelle and Yonkers (ie: YFD Engine 317, Ladder 78 and Squad 21 + New Rochelle Engine 19 and Ladder 14 + Eastchester Engine 28 and Ladder 15) to help with Flooding Emergencies?