Post Hurricane Evacuation Notices If Building Is in Evacuation Zone

The New York City Fire Department recently adopted rules implementing Local Law 103 of 2019. This law, which took effect on Oct. 6, 2019, requires apartment building owners (Group R-2 buildings and occupancies) within a hurricane evacuation zone, as designated by the Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management (now New York City Emergency Management or NYCEM), to post a hurricane evacuation notice in a common area of the building.

The notice is intended to inform building occupants of the current hurricane evacuation zone designation for the building and the means by which building residents can determine the closest hurricane evacuation centers—namely, by calling 311 or viewing the online Hurricane Evacuation Zone finder operated by NYCEM.

The rule says the hurricane evacuation notice must be attached to the wall by adhesive or in a frame, displayed in an enclosed, locked bulletin board, or otherwise durably and securely posted.

Building’s Evacuation Zones

Hurricane evacuation zones are the areas of the city that face the greatest storm surge dangers. There are six zones, decreasing in level of risk from 1 to 6. To find your building’s evacuation zone, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/html/know-your-zone/knowyourzone.html.

On this page, you can access the NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder. This map lets you know whether your building is in a hurricane evacuation zone, if there is an evacuation order in effect, and where the nearest evacuation center is located.

Posters for Compliance

NYCEM offers two posters for each zone to comply with Local Law 103. The posters inform occupants of the hurricane evacuation zone for that building and how to find the closest hurricane evacuation centers.

The full poster contains information in 13 languages. And the small poster contains information only in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. The small poster should be used in buildings in which it is known that only those languages are spoken. Print the poster for your building’s hurricane evacuation zone and post it visibly in a common area. The posters are available at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/zoneposters.page.

Due Date

The FDNY rules take effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Owners of buildings within these zones have until April 30, 2021, to comply with the Hurricane Evacuation Notice requirement.

FDNY-Issued Hurricane Weather Emergency Preparedness Information

In some extreme weather emergencies, such as hurricanes, the city may order evacuations in areas. If you live in a high-rise building, especially on the 10th floor or above, stay away from windows in case they break or shatter, or move to a lower floor.

Advance preparation:

• Before a coastal storm or hurricane, find out if you live in one of New York City’s hurricane evacuation zones.
• Prepare your home and vehicles. Secure outdoor objects, close windows and exterior doors securely, move valuable items to upper floors, and top off your vehicle and generator with fuel.
• Have your Go Bag ready.
• Know where you will go in the event an evacuation order is issued. Stay with family or friends or call 311 for information before, during or after the storm.
• If ordered to evacuate, do so as directed. Use public transportation if possible. Keep in mind that public transportation may shut down several hours before the storm arrives.
• If you need to use the elevator to evacuate and are in an evacuation zone, be sure to evacuate before elevator service is discontinued to protect the elevators from flooding. Building owners are required to post signs in the building lobby or common area in advance (if possible) of a weather emergency if they will be discontinuing elevator service. Advance notification of the building owner/management may help ensure you receive appropriate notification.
• Be prepared for a power interruption by charging your cell phone and other portable devices and adjust the refrigerator setting to a colder temperature.

During the storm:

• Stay indoors.
• Call 911 if you have a medical emergency or are in danger from physical damage to your building or apartment, but be aware that an emergency response may be delayed or unavailable during the storm.
• If you are trapped inside by rising waters, move to a higher floor, but don’t retreat into an enclosed attic unless you have a saw or other tool to cut a hole in the roof if necessary. Call 911 and report your situation. Wait for help. Do NOT try to swim to safety. Do not enter a building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Water conducts electricity.