ICE Arrests Illegal Alien Cambodian ‘Asian Boys’ Gang Member Suspected of Murdering Woman in TX and Wanted for Another Murder in CA

 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today issued the following statement about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest of Savin Seng, a criminal illegal alien from Cambodia and Asian Boys gang member wanted for the murder of a woman in Victoria, Texas and a murder outside of a strip club in California.  

On October 3, ICE arrested Seng following a brief manhunt after he allegedly murdered a woman in Victoria, Texas. During the arrest, authorities found a loaded firearm and an extra 32-round magazine in Seng’s possession, and he was referred for federal prosecution for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, which is a felony, in addition to being charged with homicide by the state. 

Seng is also wanted in California for allegedly murdering a man outside a North Hills strip club in 2022 and has been convicted of several other criminal offenses in the U.S., including two convictions for burglary and one conviction each for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and domestic violence. 

“Savin Seng’s multiple victims across California and Texas should be alive today—but this depraved criminal illegal alien and Asian Boys gang member savagely took their lives,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This serial criminal wreaked havoc across multiple states and was on the run before ICE law enforcement officers arrested him. President Trump and Secretary Noem are not going to allow gang members to terrorize American citizens. Our message is clear: criminal illegal aliens should LEAVE NOW. If not, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you very well could end up in CECOT or a third country.”  

Seng was admitted into the U.S. in 1984 but was ordered removed by an immigration judge in April 2016. He has remained in the U.S. illegally for nearly a decade.  

The Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Victoria Police Department assisted in the arrest.

NYPD Commissioner Tisch Appoints Chief Michael LiPetri Interim Chief of Department

 

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the appointment of Chief Michael LiPetri as interim Chief of Department. Chief LiPetri, a 31-year veteran of the NYPD, currently serves as Chief of Crime Control Strategies and is responsible for the design and implementation of the NYPD’s precision policing plan, which has resulted in historic reductions in violent crime.

Chief LiPetri has nearly two decades of experience as an executive in the NYPD, previously serving as the commanding officer of Transit District 32, the 101st, 79th, and 75th Precincts, and the Office of the Chief of Department, among other assignments. He will take over the role from Chief John Chell, who is retiring after 31 years in the NYPD.

“The NYPD’s success depends on precision, data-driven policing and effective leaders who create and execute this strategy,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Chief LiPetri is a true crime fighter, and under his leadership, the NYPD has delivered record-low shootings across the city and the safest quarter ever on the subways. As the interim Chief of Department, he will continue to lead the NYPD’s work to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust. I would like to thank Chief John Chell for his more than 30 years of service to this department and New York City.”

“For more than 31 years, Chief Mike LiPetri has helped make our city safer and helped ‘Get Stuff Done’ for the people of New York,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “When I say the NYPD has a deep bench, I mean it — throughout his tenure as Chief of Crime Control Strategies, Chief LiPetri was the architect of the NYPD’s successful crimefighting strategy resulting in the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. His ability to quickly assess and deploy resources while fostering partnerships with the community and other agencies makes him the perfect fit for the top uniformed position in the NYPD. I also want to thank Chief of Department John Chell for his more than three decades of service to the city and for leading the NYPD through its seven straight quarters of continuing crime declines. Our city owes him a debt of gratitude.”

As interim Chief of Department, Chief LiPetri is the NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, charged with overseeing the department’s crime-fighting and public safety strategies, quality-of-life initiatives, and operational plans. Chief LiPetri will continue to serve as Chief of Crime Control Strategies — a role he has held for the past six years. Chief LiPetri has a master’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a graduate of both the Columbia University Police Management Institute and the FBI National Academy.

NYC Council Releases Agency Report Card for the Department of Parks and Recreation, Urging Increased Support for City Parks

 

Council issues “B” Rating for Parks Department and cites need for increased funding to improve staff capacity and meet public demand

The New York City Council released its agency report card for the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the second-ever agency evaluation established by the Council that stemmed from Speaker Adams’ 2024 State of the City proposal.  The evaluation issued DPR an overall letter grade of B, acknowledging the agency’s success in maintaining and transforming the City’s parks and green spaces and communicating and collaborating with local community partners, while navigating the difficulties of its financial constraints from constrained budget commitments by the mayoral administration. The report card identified a lack of adequate staffing levels in the department and public transparency regarding its facilities’ availability and improvements. It also recommended a focus on improving parks in environmental justice areas that have disproportionately experienced negative impacts from pollution and lacked equitable access. The report card comes after over a year of direct engagement with the city agency, roundtables involving advocates and stakeholders, and feedback from survey responses.

“The Department of Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in maintaining and providing access to city parks and recreational facilities for all New Yorkers,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “In recent budget cycles, the Council has fought to restore budget cuts to the Department and strengthen its capacity to serve our city, but our parks require greater resources. The agency must be recognized and funded by the mayoral administration to fulfill its essential role in our city government. I want to thank Council staff for their work on this report and all those who participated in this effort to improve one of our city’s most critical agencies.”

DPR manages more than 30,000 acres of land, including public pools, athletic fields, cemeteries, playgrounds, beaches, and other green spaces and recreational facilities. Yet compared to other major US cities, New York City allocates much less to Parks in terms of its percentage of the city budget. While the Council’s evaluation found DPR to be a well-run agency overall, it is hampered in fulfilling its mission and responsibilities by underfunding, deprioritization by the mayoral administration, and a lack of interagency coordination. The Council also identified several areas of improvement, including transparency on the progress of capital projects, real-time updates to the public regarding facility and program availability, and collaboration with nonprofit partners.

The Council’s Report Card initiative evaluates city agencies and assigns letter grades based on several pillars, including leadership, strategy, and direction, relationships and collaboration, service delivery, workforce development, and digital government. This second report card follows the Council’s inaugural report on the Department of Veteran Services. The agency report card initiative was first announced in Speaker Adrienne Adams’ 2024 State of the City address, in which she called for enhanced oversight and accountability for city government agencies.

“The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the green spaces they maintain play a pivotal role in making our city more liveable, breathable, and beautiful,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation. “Year after year, they’ve been let down by mayoral promises to fund the department at 1% of the city’s budget, resulting in workers with poor job security and inadequate tools to keep our parks clean and thriving. The State of the City Report Card score of a “B” is indicative of the need for more funding and dedication to our parks.

Among the Council’s recommendations to strengthen the agency’s operations are:

Leadership, Strategy, and Direction

• DPR should release a strategic plan that includes agency priorities, a timeline of accomplishing its goals, and a statement of responsibility.
  • Currently, the agency’s previous strategic plans are not up to date, and it is unclear what has and has not been accomplished.

Workforce Development

• DPR should consider identifying and explaining the optimal number of employees it will require to meet its strategic priorities, with caveats for the seasonal nature of their work and requirements for longer-term projects.
  • Half of survey respondents strongly disagreed that the Department had the staff needed to support all facilities, programming, and function efficiently.

Relationships and Collaboration

• DPR works in tandem with local and nonprofit community partners to maintain its parkland and facilities and provide programming citywide.
• To improve communication and service delivery, the Department should designate a point of contact for each organization to streamline communication and ensure organizational communication needs are met.

Service Delivery for New Yorkers

• To further its efforts to improve its efforts on transforming parks in under-resourced neighborhoods, DPR should incorporate a focus on improving parkland areas under its jurisdiction in environmental justice areas that have experienced disproportionate negative impacts from environmental pollution.
• DPR should explore partnerships with non-profits and private entities to improve parks users’ access to programs with limited availability (e.g. swim teams, sports teams, summer camps, etc.).
• DPR should utilize social media posts and website banners to improve communication on immediate updates on programming and facility availability.

Financial and Resource Management

• DPR should improve its Capital Project Tracker by enabling the public to see if projects are over, on, or under budget.
  • DPR capital projects have often taken much longer than expected, leading them to go over budget. At the same time, the agency’s Capital Projects Division has the highest number of vacancies of all divisions.

Governor Hochul Urges Preparedness Ahead of Impending Coastal Storm

High Wind Watch Issued for Queens, Kings, Nassau and Suffolk Counties Beginning 12 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday; Strong Winds Possible for Remainder of State

Coastal Flooding Watch Issued for Southern Westchester County, New York City and Long Island Beginning 8 a.m. Sunday Through 6 p.m. Monday

1.5-3 Inches of Rainfall Expected Downstate

New One-Stop Website Launched – resilient.ny.gov – To Help Easily Connect New Yorkers to Resiliency and Mitigation Resources

Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to prepare ahead of a strong coastal storm that is forecast to impact portions of New York during Columbus Day weekend. The storm, which is expected to begin forming off the coast of the Carolinas on Saturday, will strengthen as it moves up the mid-Atlantic coast towards southern New England, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for coastal flooding to downstate New York. Ahead of the storm, Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to closely monitor their local forecasts, prepare their households accordingly and to use caution if traveling in impacted areas this weekend.

“As this coastal storm approaches, I’m urging all New Yorkers to stay alert, watch the forecast closely, and take steps now to prepare,” Governor Hochul said. “Conditions can change quickly, so please use caution if you need to travel and check on friends and neighbors who may need extra help. Staying vigilant and informed will help keep everyone safe through the weekend.”

Current forecasts are projecting strong winds to be one of the most hazardous impacts of this storm. Already, the National Weather Service has issued High Wind Watches for Queens, Kings, Nassau and Suffolk Counties beginning 12 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday. During this period, wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are possible and could result in downed trees and possible power outages.

Forecasters are also calling for long duration rainfall as part of this storm, the most intense of which will be focused downstate where between 1.5 and 3 inches of rainfall is expected in the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions and minor flooding resulting from poor drainage is possible. The northern Mid-Hudson and southern Capital Regions are forecast to receive between an inch and 1.5 inches of rain, while the rest of the state should see an inch or less.

Additionally, a Coastal Flood Watch has been issued for New York City and Long Island beginning 8 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday. Widespread flooding will impact the entire coastline, with the potential for major flooding across the south shore of Long Island back bays and Great South Bay beginning with the high tides on Sunday. Beach erosion is also likely.

New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. It is critical to ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. New Yorkers can also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

Governor Hochul also launched a new, comprehensive tool – resilient.ny.gov – to connect New Yorkers with the wide-ranging State investments and initiatives available to make their communities more resilient and adaptive to climate change. The website offers a centralized resilience platform – a one-stop shop for residents, businesses, and municipalities to find the resources, assistance, and funding opportunities needed to plan, adapt, and strengthen communities. The site helps connect users with funding through an easy-to-navigate funding directory and information about how the State is planning ahead to meet future needs through the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Power Outages

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
• To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
  • Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
  • Con Edison: 800-752-6633
  • National Grid: 800-867-5222
  • NYSEG: 800-572-1131
  • O&R: 877-434-4100
  • PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
  • RG&E: 800-743-1701

For more safety tips, go to www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

 

California Man Charged Federally for Mailing Threat to Injure and Kill

 

The Justice Department announced a criminal complaint charging George Russell Isbell Jr., 69, of San Diego, with mailing a threatening communication. Isbell was arrested on Oct. 7 in San Diego.

“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many – do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”

“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”

“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”

According to the complaint, on or about Sept. 18, Isbell mailed a letter from San Diego threatening to injure his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida, and telling his victim that the victim needed “to be exterminated.” In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who had recently been killed during a public engagement on a college campus. After writing that he hoped that the American flag “strangles the life out of you,” the letter went on to state: “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.

If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and the Tampa Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additional support was provided by the FBI San Diego Field Office, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Miramar Completes Construction at 405-407 West 206th Street in Inwood, ManhattanMiramar at 405-407 West 206th Street.

 

Construction is complete on Miramar, a two-building residential complex at 405-407 West 206th Street in Inwood, Manhattan. Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and developed by LMXD, an affiliate of L+M Development Partners, MSquared, and Taconic Partners, the structures collectively span more than 751,000 square feet and yield 698 rental units with 281 dedicated to affordable housing. The 14- and 17-story towers stand 140 and 175 feet tall and rise from a connected podium occupying a full block bounded by West 207th Street to the north, West 206th Street to the south, Ninth Avenue to the east, and a handful of low-rise residential and commercial holdouts to the west.

Work finished on the brick façade and grid of recessed windows since our last on-site update in mid-February 2024, when the reinforced concrete superstructures were closing in on topping out and crews were beginning to frame the exterior with metal studs. Miramar’s envelope is largely composed of brick in various earth tones, while the bulkheads and some of the inner-facing walls are finished in gray paneling. The following aerial shots show the structures’ multiple setbacks topped with terraces, green roofs, and landscaped amenity decks.

Units are equipped with washers and dryers. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove and heating. The affordable housing component is reserved for individuals making 40 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $38,400 to $154,080.

Residential amenities at Miramar include a landscaped outdoor courtyard, an attended lobby, fitness center, party room, children’s playroom, coworking spaces, multiple lounges, music rehearsal rooms, storage space, and several rooftop terraces.

Community League of the Heights as the community sponsor for the project.

Construction cost $416 million. The property is located directly adjacent to the elevated 207th Street station, served by the local 1 train. The developers are pursuing a LEED BD+C Silver certification.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA JOINED THE RIVERDALE JEWISH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR A NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION

This week, Senator Rivera joined community members and the Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership for a Night of Remembrance and Reflection, marking the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on October 7.

"Thank you to our hosts and faith leaders, Rabbi Krauss, Rabbi Exler and many others for inviting me to join you in prayer and in unyielding hope," said Senator Rivera. "We pray that every last hostage returns home and until peace feels possible again."

This week, Senator Rivera attended the celebration of the Renaissance Youth Center’s 25 years of impact, growth, and community in the South Bronx. He joined the Center’s Founder and CEO, Bervin Harris, along with elected officials and community members, to commemorate this milestone and enjoy a performance by the Music With a Message youth band.

“It has truly been incredible to see the work that the Renaissance Youth Center has done and the lives this organization has touched throughout the years. None of this would be possible without the dedication and vision of its Founder and CEO, Bervin Harris. Thank you, Bervin, for your unwavering commitment to empowering our youth and strengthening our community," said Senator Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera presented a $70,000 check to the Riverdale Neighborhood House’s Executive Director Andrew Belton in order to support their College Directions program and their Workforce Development program, two initiatives to help young people in the community achieve their educational goals. 

Their College Directions program provides mentorship for college readiness with a primary focus on first-generation college applicants while their Youth Internship program provides paid opportunities for youth to work with local businesses. Additionally, this funding will support community events, Sexual and Reproductive Health programming, and outdoor educational events in the Northwest Bronx.

“I’m beyond proud to award $70,000 to Riverdale Neighborhood House to continue delivering programs that help young adults enhance their futures through RNH’s educational and mentorship services. Ensuring access to resources allows them to explore new pathways, while also sharpening their existing skill sets. There is a lot of hidden talent in The Bronx, and supporting this mission alongside Executive Director Andrew Belton is something I’m very grateful to do. I thank him for his continued dedication to encouraging our youth to strive for success," said Senator Rivera.

 

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Rivera for his continued support of Riverdale Neighborhood House and our community. His partnership helps us provide young people and families with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive," said Riverdale Neighborhood House’s Executive Director, Andrew Belton.

Today, Senator Rivera was proud to honor the Puerto Rican victims of 9/11 through the installation of their flag at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This meaningful addition pays tribute to their legacy, their contributions to New York’s history, and the memory of all those lost in that tragic terrorist attack. As a proud Puerto Rican, the Senator performed the Puerto Rican national anthem during the ceremony.

Thank you to Assemblymember Amanda Septimo and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for the invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINED THE CROSS BRONX ROUNDTABLE AT THE BRONX RIVER HOUSE

Today, Senator Rivera joined elected officials, agency representatives, and Bronx organizations at the Bronx River House to discuss the Cross Bronx Five Bridges Project. Senator Rivera is not supportive of the proposed Cross Bronx Five Bridges plan as it stands. It is widely known that the Cross Bronx Expressway is one of the biggest sources of air pollution in the South Bronx, which has consequently negatively impacted health indicators for generations of Bronxites, including high rates of asthma and heart disease.

The Cross Bronx Five Bridges Project seeks to address the aging and unsafe infrastructure of the Cross Bronx Expressway (CBE or “Cross Bronx”) along the stretch between Boston Road and Rosedale Avenue, while also creating an opportunity to tackle broader transportation and environmental needs through the repair process. While it is true that these bridges require renovations, it is also true that this would be a waste of resources and would not address the air quality or health needs of the poorest families in our City. The Cross Bronx has already inflicted enough harm on our borough.

This roundtable served as an opportunity to continue the dialogue on alternatives and guidance to ensure these changes are implemented effectively and in alignment with the needs of the community, especially those who live near and commute through the affected area every day. For the sake of our communities, the NYSDOT must invest in safer and more sustainable alternatives that advance our environment justice goals as recommended by the commun

This fall, New York families are set up for success with the rollout of free school meals for 2.7 million New York students. Universal school meals improve student health and wellbeing, support learning, and save families real money.

Thanks to funding for universal meals included in the state budget earlier this year, no family will have to worry about the cost of meals at school.

Universal meals also support local economies, bring resources into schools, and make cafeteria operations more efficient. Families are still encouraged to submit their household income information, which helps schools secure additional funding and benefits. Click here for more info.

FORWARDING: NEW YORKERS URGED TO TAKE SAFETY MEASURES IN PREPARATION FOR POTENTIAL COASTAL STORM THIS WEEKEND

 

City Issues Weather Alert as Impacts from Storm May Include Strong Winds, Heavy Surf, and Potentially Major Coastal Flooding 

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) is urging New Yorkers, especially those living along the coast, to prepare for potential impacts from a storm expected to affect the city Sunday, October 12 through Monday, October 13. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a total of 1.5 to 3 inches of rain with locally higher amounts possible. 

A coastal storm forming off the Southeast coast Friday night is expected to move north this holiday weekend, bringing strong winds, heavy surf, and periods of heavy rain that may cause coastal flooding in the city, including highways, streets, basements, and underpasses. Communities along southern Brooklyn, southern Queens, the eastern shore of Staten Island, and the Bronx shoreline are at greatest risk for flooding and storm impact. 

“This weekend, New Yorkers should expect a storm that will bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our teams are ready and prepared, but as always, we encourage New Yorkers to stay aware and connected through Notify NYC to prepare for any impacts. We will continue to monitor this storm to keep our city safe and strong.” 

“We're keeping a close eye on this storm as it moves up the coast,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. “While the exact impacts will depend on the storm's track, we're expecting strong winds and coastal flooding, especially in our shoreline communities. We encourage all New Yorkers to begin preparing now: make a plan, check on your neighbors, and sign up for Notify NYC alerts.” 

NYCEM recommends the following preparedness actions for New Yorkers for those in coastal flood-prone regions and low-lying areas: 

• Relocate parked vehicles to higher ground or inland, ensuring they do not obstruct roadways or block emergency access. 
• Communication and Information: Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts through various channels, including Notify NYC, available in 13 different languages, with a special sub-group dedicated to Basement Apartment Dwellers. Subscribe to Notify NYC at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, download the app in your phone's app store, or dial 311. Keep a battery-powered radio ready for timely updates, particularly if power outages are expected.
• Gather Supplies: Every household member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items, such as bottled water, non-perishable food, and basic medical supplies.
•  Tidal Awareness and Coastal Barriers: Monitor tide tables and storm surge forecasts. Know when high tides are expected in your vicinity and be prepared to adjust your plans. Where feasible, deploy sandbags or other deployables suitable for a residence to reduce the risk of tidal water intrusion. 
• Watercraft and Boat Security: If you own boats or watercraft, secure or relocate them immediately. Fluctuating tides can not only carry them away but loose watercraft can cause additional damage.
• Storm Drains and Local Warnings: If it's safe to do so, check and clear any nearby storm drains to help manage water runoff and lessen the chances of localized flooding. Pay attention to localized warnings, especially those pertaining to rip currents and high waves.
• Beach Closures and Coastal Roads: Remain updated on any beach closures, as flooding can swiftly make these areas hazardous. Beaches are closed to swimming. Plan alternative travel routes to avoid low-lying coastal roads that may be susceptible to flooding.
• Home Safety and Utility Measures: Ensure your home's sump pumps are operational and familiarize yourself with how to safely shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity. If you reside in a basement or below-grade apartment, be particularly vigilant, as these areas are more susceptible to flooding. Follow City guidance for additional actions specific to below-grade dwellings. Subscribe to Notify NYC’s Basement Apartment Dweller subgroup for key alerts.
• Document & Insurance Review: Secure essential documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups. Review your insurance to ensure you have specialized flood coverage, as standard policies often don't cover flood and wind damage. Consider enrolling in the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more at floodsmart.gov.
• Prepare for Outages: To gear up for potential power disruptions, keep your cell phones charged, stock up on supplies. If power outages are predicted, consider adjusting your refrigerator and freezer to colder settings to extend the shelf life of perishable items. Ensure that flashlights and battery-operated radios or TVs are functional, keeping extra batteries on hand. If you rely on Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and lose power, dial 911 for immediate assistance, and remember never to use generators indoors. Check on vulnerable individuals in your community, such as older adults and people with disabilities or health conditions, and assist them in their preparations.
• Pet Safety: Make provisions for your pets' safety, including the need to leave your home and to take your pet with you.
•  Plan for Special Needs & Check on Your Neighbors: Make it a point to check on neighbors who are older adults or who may require special assistance. If you have a disability or specific access and functional needs, make sure your emergency plan accounts for how these factors could impact your ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis. Seek assistance from your family or service providers as needed.
• Avoidance and Caution: Do not venture into flooded areas. These zones may be contaminated or electrically charged. Take preemptive action by assembling a Go Bag with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
• Documentation: When it's safe, contribute to our collective flood risk understanding by capturing and submitting photos via the MyCoast portal (mycoast.org/ny) or the MyCoast app. Don't forget to also file flood reports through 311.
• Real-Time Awareness: Stay updated on changing flood conditions by monitoring real-time flood depth via the FloodNet website (floodnet.nyc).

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.