Community Emergency Planning in NYC - A Toolkit for Community Leaders

Outbreaks may be naturally occurring or a form of terrorism by using certain biological agents. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak, usually caused by a new form of a virus (like the flu).

Coastal storms include nor’easters, tropical cyclones, and hurricanes. Hurricanes are categorized 1-5, with 5 being the most severe. Coastal storms can cause flooding, structural damage to buildings, transportation service failures, and widespread power outages.

An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by two blocks of earth slipping past each other beneath the surface. Although NYC does not sit on a major fault line, earthquakes can and have affected the area. A dense population and a high volume of built infrastructure amplify the city’s risk.

Extreme heat is one of the most common hazards facing NYC. It is defined by temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high, last for prolonged periods of time, and are accompanied by high humidity. People most at risk during heat emergencies are laborers or individuals who spend time outdoors, seniors, children, and people with health issues or without adequate cooling devices in their homes. 

Fire is the most common emergency in NYC. In 2015 there were over 45,000 fires (Source: FDNY). Brush fires can also occur when temperatures climb and vegetation dries out, which puts the city’s grasslands at risk.

Floods account for more than $1 billion in property loss in the United States each year. There are many types of flooding: flash flooding caused by intense rain and thunderstorms; inland flooding from heavy rain; and coastal flooding from storm surge. Flooding can cause structural damage to buildings, disrupt transportation services, and lead to power outages.

A chemical or hazmat emergency could be an intentional or accidental release of a toxic gas, liquid, or solid that can poison people or the environment. This could come from anywhere these materials are used, transported, or manufactured. 

Tornadoes account for dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries nationwide each year. Tornadoes are typically created by powerful thunderstorms, but sometimes accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. Most tornado-related damage results from wind and wind-blown debris, as well as large hail. 

POWER: Prolonged power outages are potentially life-threatening and can cause major economic losses. Power outages occur most often during the summer months, when there is a high demand on the power grid or as a result of storm damage or system failure. 

NATURAL GAS: Natural gas is odorless, but a harmless chemical odor is added so leaks are easy to detect. Gas leaks can be flammable and have caused explosions. 

WATER: Water main breaks, drought, and water contamination can affect water quality and use. A 10-degree change in air or water temperature may also cause water main pipes to contract or expand, making them fragile. A break halts water supply and can cause property damage, street and sidewalk closures.

Winter weather, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause traffic accidents, disruption of services, fires from improper heater use, overexertion (usually from shoveling snow), hypothermia and frostbite. Nor’easters—coastal storms that combine typical winter storm hazards with high winds and coastal flooding—can knock out power, flood homes and roads, and cause structural damage.