Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
“We know that climate change is happening now, and we have the blueprint we need to act,” Mayor de Blasio said.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday released the first monthly update to “The New Normal: Combatting Storm-Related Extreme Weather in New York City,” a landmark report that provides New York City with a new blueprint to prepare for and respond to extreme weather.
Based on report findings, New York City has already enhanced outreach to vulnerable areas, launched new emergency communications protocols, taken action to protect New Yorkers in basement apartments, and started key infrastructure improvements.
Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng
Hurricane Ida dumped several inches of rainwater in borough garages and basements.
Key progress in the month since Hurricane Ida include:
- New Emergency Communications plan
- Releasing RFP for “Rainboots on the Ground” program
- 100 warning signs installed on flood prone roadways for drivers
- Finished fixing drainage on a community driveway in East Elmhurst, expanding to 40 total locations
- 13 Flood Net Sensors installed and expansion imminent
- Increasing frequency of cleaning catch basins
- Providing 10,000 sandbags to residents
- New NYPD protocols for basement unit evacuations
- New working group for Basement Apartment Conversion Program
“We know that climate change is happening now, and we have the blueprint we need to act,” de Blasio said. “Since Hurricane Ida, we’ve made drastic improvements to infrastructure, data collection, emergency communications systems, and basement apartments. We are on the right path when it comes to responding to the climate crisis and keeping New Yorkers safe.”
“We promised New Yorkers that we would protect them from the threat of severe weather and we’re delivering on that promise,” said Extreme Weather Coordinator, Deputy Mayor for Administration, and Chief of Staff Emma Wolfe. “Through targeted investments, better storm tracking, and new ways to get information to the public, we’re ensuring our residents are safe as we face this new reality and the impacts of climate change.”
