NEW YORK - As a nor’easter approaches the New York City area Wednesday into Thursday, FEMA will temporarily shut down Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers. Fixed Disaster Recovery Centers will maintain their normal hours of operation. Also included in this release are useful tips to help NYC-area residents remain safe during tomorrow’s severe winter weather event.
In anticipation of the advancing winter storm, 10 of the FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be closing early tonight at 6 p.m. The Mobile DRCs will resume operations as road conditions are deemed safe for travel.
The following FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers that are located in fixed sites will maintain their normal hours of operation:
H. Lee Dennison Bldg
100 Veterans Memorial Hwy.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Our Lady of Solace Gymnasium
2866 W. 17 St.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Riverhead Co. Center
300 Center Dr.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Prepare for severe weather conditions
According to the National Weather Service, a coastal storm with below normal temperatures, gusty winds and precipitation in some areas, is expected to affect the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast mid-week. The storm will affect Southern New Jersey beginning Wednesday morning and affect New York City by mid-day Wednesday, impacting the region through Thursday night and will clear the region by Friday.
Those in potentially-affected areas along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast should monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments. Information about local forecasts is available from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov or by phone at mobile.weather.gov.
Due to the continued expected cold weather conditions, state and local governments are opening warming stations. For more information, contact your local officials. For those who may or may or may not have power to heat their home, FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration has these safety tips:
• Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open.
• Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
• Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions.
• If possible, avoid using candles.
• Don’t use your stove for heating.
• For other heating sources like a wood burning stove, space heater or fire place, establish a 3-foot safety zone around all heat sources. Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves. Store fuels in proper containers, and keep them out of the reach of children and away from combustible materials.