GO TO HIGH GROUND: HURRICANE EVACUATION, TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIES AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR STATEN ISLAND, NY

At the last GSA meeting we reported on “Go To High Ground: a coastal evacuation plan for Staten Island, NY”. As a result of our research we now present a follow-up in the changes in evacuation strategies that were implemented due to the results of our work. We modeled hurricane storm surge even before hurricane Sandy occurred. We developed a process in communicating with the issue of dealing with local, state, and federal agencies. We published “Learning from the impact of Superstorm Sandy on Staten Island, NY.” We also modeled and simulated storm surge on Staten Island in order to understand inundation strategies where we dealt with a berm that was constructed on the east shore of Staten Island. We also addressed compound flooding issues in comments to the Army Corps of Engineers for their plan to build a seawall on the eastern shore of Staten Island.

Evacuation signage in place before Sandy directed residents to specified shelters. The post sandy evacuation by New York City Emergency Management signage directs residents to high ground. This change in evacuation signage will reduce the risk of residents choosing an evacuation route parallel to the shoreline. It is important for residents to have a plan in place before a hurricane occurs. Most Staten Island’s residents will go to family and friends, others to hotels or motels or even others off island.

Our community outreach involves addressing “Go To High Ground” on shows on Staten Island Community Television. During this live show residents can can call-in or email their questions.