Coastal Storm Planning

Peak coastal storm season in NYC is from August through October every year. Make a plan to keep you and your family safe!

When would I evacuate?

• If necessary, the City would issue an Evacuation Recommendation or Evacuation Order for your hurricane zone.

• If this order is issued, evacuate as soon as possible (before elevators and public transportation are shut down).

Why should I evacuate?

• If you don’t evacuate, you are putting your life and your family in danger.

• Emergency teams may be delayed in reaching you if you need help.

• Services to your building may be impacted, including water, power, phone service, internet service, and elevators.

• Some NYCHA buildings may be equipped with flood-mitigation protections, but these are not life-saving and are only designed to protect the building’s infrastructure from flooding so you can return home faster. To keep your family safe from the storm, you will still need to evacuate.

How can I find out where to go and what to do if I need assistance evacuating?

• Stay with family or friends outside the evacuation zones if possible, or go to an evacuation center.

• To determine if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, get directions to your nearest evacuation center, or request assistance with evacuating, visit nyc.gov/knowyourzone or call 311.

Are evacuation centers accessible?

• All evacuation centers include accessible facilities and accommodations.

• Once you arrive at an evacuation center, you may be sent to an accessible shelter or special medical needs shelter for your required accommodations.

Can I take my service animal or pet to the City’s evacuation centers?

• Yes. Make sure your pet has proper identification and a pet Go Bag that includes a travel carrier/crate, leash, copies of vaccinations/health records, food, and any necessary medication.

• Service animals are always allowed on MTA subways, buses, and trains. When an evacuation order is issued, pets too large for carriers are allowed provided they are muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash no longer than four feet.

Do I still need to prepare if I live outside of a hurricane evacuation zone? 

• Yes. People outside of hurricane evacuation zones may still experience disruptions in essential services like electricity or heat.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends preparing emergency supplies even if you do not have to evacuate.

• After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days in case of an emergency.

HAVE A GO BAG READY FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER AND PET BEFORE EMERGENCIES HAPPEN!

For additional information on how to be prepared for any emergency, visit on.nyc.gov/get-prepared.