New York – Emergency Preparedness Alert – Tropical Storm Hanna‏

New York – The Jewish Community Relations Council [JCRC of NY] has sent sent out the following urgent advisory to the Jewish community that live in Fire Island, Long Island, near the sea and surrounding areas, regarding to the storm Hanna that is moving into the NY area this evening, and Shabbos afternoon into Sunday

Tropical storm Hanna is located north of the Bahamas this morning and is expected to continue to move northwest today and proceed up the Atlantic coast and track just south of Fire Island. A flood watch (i.e., there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts) is in effect throughout the metropolitan New York region from Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning.

Heavy rain associated with this tropical storm will spread well ahead of the main low late tonight into early Sunday morning with the heaviest rain expected Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. Tropical storm Hanna is expected to produce anywhere between 3 to 6 inches of rain with some possible higher amounts across the watch area. These rainfall totals have the potential to produce flooding across highly urbanized and poor drainage areas and cause small streams and creeks to flow out of their banks.

How can this affect you? Forecasters predict high winds (up to 50 mph on Long Island) and flooding in some areas. Flash flooding often leads to impassable roadways. Motorists who attempt to cross flooded roadways put their lives in danger and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to their vehicles due to water entering the engine and vehicle.

High winds and flooding can lead to localized power outages and/or blocked roads. In some areas the supply of fresh water could be compromised.

Long Island municipalities currently anticipate that some areas might be evacuated. The Red Cross will open shelters throughout the region, as necessary.

How should you prepare?

* Organizations should alert their members and suggest that they top off their food supply and check that they have sufficient medication on hand in the event that they can’t leave the house. People should also have a reserve of water (it’s a good idea to freeze water in gallon plastic bags which can help to prevent the food in your refrigerator from spoiling in the event of a power outage).
* If you have special concerns over Shabbat (see below), discuss them with your local police of fire officials.
* Do you know those in your community with special needs? Can you identify them and develop a plan to “check in” in the event of power outages or greater damage?
* There are a number of excellent sources of information with great tips:
o Learn more about flooding from the NYC Office of Emergency Management here.
o Review Power Outages 101 for Jewish Organizations.
o Much of the American Red Cross of Greater New York material on hurricanes is applicable to coastal storms. Check out: Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for Home and a Go-Bag for Evacuation, Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan, Prepare for High Winds and Develop a Family Communications Plan.
o Check out the Hurricane Preparedness site at Newsday.Com

National Preparedness Month. September is National Preparedness Month. Contact the JCRC to learn how your organization can help your staff and constituents to be more prepared for all kinds of emergencies.

Special Considerations on Shabbat. The Orthodox Union issued Shabbat Protocols in Case of a Hurricane, written by Rabbi Kenneth Brander with thanks to Rabbi Hershel Schachter for his guidance. It is focused on the dangers of hurricanes. However, tomorrow the New York metropolitan area is expecting a less severe tropical storm. While these protocols are an excellent guide to the issues of concern, consult with appropriate rabbinical authorities about specific guidance regarding the expected conditions of Tropical Storm Hanna.

A modified copy is found below:

Minyan. If a hurricane is happening on Shabbat, stay home!
Try to prearrange with your rabbi to have the congregation lain two parshiyot on the next Shabbat.

Services should take place on Shabbat, if:

* the storm has passed; AND
* civil authorities declare the area safe.

If there is no electricity, services should take place only during daylight hours. If there is electricity, services can be held as regularly scheduled.

Assume there is no Eruv.

* Carrying permitted for life/limb threatening situations.
* Carrying permitted for individuals who need medical attention without which a person’s functionality is compromised, (even for a bed-ridden headache). In this case carrying should be done, only if possible, in an irregular fashion (i.e. carrying medicine in ones belt or shoe).
* Carrying permitted to allow a baby, infirm seniors or a child traumatized by the event to function without compromise. In this case carrying should be done, if possible, in a irregular fashion (i.e. two people carrying or wheeling the stroller/person.)

Use of candles & flashlights

* Use yahrzeit or hurricane candles lit before Shabbat placed in designated locations (many disaster experts caution against the use of candles at any time because of the risk of fire. Most Jewish households are accustomed to having yahrzeit candles lit for 24 hours. Use appropriate caution.).
Hang/place lit flashlights with fresh batteries in key locations before Shabbat.
If flash light/candle goes out:
o When necessary (to take care of children, to eat etc..) and there is no other light a non-Jew can relight or change batteries
o If not having the light may create a life threatening situation, you may do it yourself
* Moving candles and flashlight is permitted in the following situations:
* For any medical concerns no matter how slight
* Carrying permitted for comfort and welfare of seniors and children under eight (or above eight years old when child is traumatized by the event)
* When possible, moving a candle, should be done by two individuals

Television or Radio

* TV or radio should be left on in a side room
* Channel should not be changed
* Volume on radio may be adjusted on Shabbat. Better to keep it on low for it preserves the battery and only raise it when necessary.
* You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
o prepared to take action.