Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Hurricane Irene

August 26, 2011

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Hurricane Irene

(JAMAICA, NY)–Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Hurricane Irene:

We were just notified that the storm has shifted west and New York City will be affected more than was initially expected. The Sixth Congressional District encompasses the New York City Hurricane Evacuation Zone A, with neighborhoods like Far Rockaway and Howard Beach located in low-lying areas of our city most at risk of flooding and other damage in a severe storm. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has ordered mandatory evacuation of the hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers and private homes within Zone A and the parts of the Rockaways in Zone B. This includes Peninsula Hospital. The MTA will be suspending public transit system-wide beginning by noon tomorrow.

I urge residents of the Sixth Congressional District to take all necessary precautions for this major storm and to help your friends and neighbors prepare as well. If they haven’t done so already, I strongly urge that residents within these areas make plans now to go to alternative locations outside of Zone A and B, before 5:00 pm tomorrow, for the duration of the storm.

Our office is working closely with local and federal officials to ensure that we are properly prepared before, during and in the aftermath of the storm:

• I am providing frequent posts on Facebook, Twitter updates of evacuation plans and maps of the affected areas.

• We are asking residents to keep a full tank of gas, get extra cash in advance because ATMs will not work if in the event of a power failure, and make sure they have flash lights, batteries and a battery-operated radio.

• My office is in touch with houses of worship, faith-based groups and community organizations that are prepared to provide support and resources. Some of the faith-based groups are poised to provide water, clothing, bedding or ‘go-bags’ for residents who are displaced by the storm. Community-based groups like Ready Rockaway have members who are trained emergency preparedness professionals.

I am confident that the federal government will do its part to respond to the needs of residents affected by Hurricane Irene. My office and staff will be available to help in any way we can.