The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
Dear AWS providers,
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for our area.
A Flash Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flash flooding. Prepare and stay alert.
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol today urged New Yorkers to take immediate precautions ahead of strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast for Thursday into Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for New York City, warning of 1.3 to 3 inches of rain with higher amounts possible from 2 PM on Thursday, July 31 through 2 PM Friday, August 1. NYCEM has issued a Travel Advisory urging New Yorkers to avoid travel from Thursday afternoon and through Friday afternoon. Residents whose homes flood frequently should take steps now to protect their property and prepare to act quickly if conditions worsen.
The National Weather Service forecasts that a frontal boundary will stall near the region on Thursday, bringing repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms through Friday morning. Heavy rainfall is possible with any storm and could cause flooding wherever it falls, especially in poor-drainage or low-lying areas. NWS forecasts 1.5 to 3 inches of rain for the city, with locally higher amounts possible up to 5 inches, causing an elevated threat to life and property, particularly on Thursday afternoon and Thursday night. There is significant model uncertainty regarding the exact location and intensity of the heaviest rainfall, but the heaviest rain is expected from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, with the event likely winding down by midday Friday.
Flash flooding can happen quickly, with little or no warning. These events often strike overnight when people are asleep. Lives have been lost in past floods because people could not escape in time.
General Flood Safety Guidance for All Clients:
- Charge phones and keep emergency notifications turned on.
- Enable loud alarms or emergency alert functions on devices.
- Have multiple ways to receive alerts, such as mobile phones, weather radios, and emergency apps.
- Keep a Go Bag ready with ID, medications, chargers, flashlights, waterproof bags for important documents, and other essentials.
- Avoid traveling through flooded streets, subways, or underpasses.
- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical hazards.
- Have flood or water sensors installed and operational to provide early warnings of water entering the home.
- Call 911 immediately if in immediate danger.
Specific Guidance for Basement and Below-Grade Residents:
- Do not sleep in basement or below-grade spaces during a Flash Flood Warning.
- Keep exits clear of clutter and debris at all times. Practice opening all exits in advance.
- Remove cords, electronics, and other hazards from floor areas prone to flooding.
- Ensure flood or water sensors are installed, tested, and working.
- Set alarms to check conditions overnight when flooding is possible.
- Have a predetermined, safe location to relocate to before storms. Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted, especially overnight.
- Keep phones charged and ringer volume turned up overnight.
How to Enable Emergency Alerts:
Go to Settings > Notifications.
Scroll all the way to the bottom and ensure Emergency Alerts and Severe Alerts are enabled.
Keep the ringer switch ON and volume up overnight.
Open the Settings app.
Tap Safety & Emergency or Notifications (varies by device).
Select Wireless Emergency Alerts and ensure alerts for Extreme and Severe Threats are enabled.
Keep phone volume up overnight.
Sample Client Conversation:
"I want to check in with you because flooding is expected.
First, do you have a way to receive emergency alerts that will wake you up? This is critical, especially overnight. Make sure your phone is charged, the ringer is turned on, and emergency alerts are enabled.
Next, do you have a safe place to go if you need to leave quickly? Know where you would evacuate and how to get there. Also, make sure you have a backup plan in case transportation is delayed, blocked, or shut down. This is especially important if you need regular medical care or support. If heavy rain or flooding is expected overnight, consider relocating early to avoid being trapped.
If you live in a basement or below-grade apartment, it is very important that you do not stay there during a flood warning. Make sure all exits are clear and easy to open. Check that your water or flood sensors are installed and working to warn you early if water enters your home.
Lastly, have your Go Bag ready near the door with essentials like ID, medications, chargers, flashlights, and waterproof bags for important documents.
Let’s review your plan together and make sure everything is ready before the storm arrives."
Key Reminders for Clients and Caregivers:
- Flash flooding can strike quickly, even overnight. Be ready to act without delay.
- Have multiple alert methods, and ensure phones are loud enough to wake you.
- Keep exits clear and practice emergency escape routes.
- Unplug or elevate floor-level electronics before storms.
- Never stay in basement apartments during a flash flood warning.
- Install and maintain water or flood sensors for early warning.
- Have an emergency plan in case transportation services are disrupted or unavailable. Identify alternative options to access medical care, supplies, or safe shelter.
- Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is expected overnight.
- Avoid all flooded streets and public transit areas.
- Avoid contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris, making them unsafe.
- Call 911 if in immediate danger.
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe. Please share this information widely with staff and clients.
The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www.advancewarningsystemnyc.org/aws
Please do no reply to this e-mail. This mailbox is not monitored. To make changes or receive assistance with your account, please login to the AWS website or contact us through the AWS website. If you think you or someone else may have an emergency, call 911 immediately.