City leaders distribute free flood preparedness kits under flood watch
Nearly 100 residents attended the event, where they learned about the causes of flooding, the city's resiliency efforts and steps homeowners and renters can take to reduce flood damage.
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New York City officials gathered in Hunts Point Tuesday evening to help residents prepare for potential flooding by distributing free flood preparedness kits and offered guidance on how to protect their homes during a flood watch.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection hosted a flood preparedness town hall alongside Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Council Member Justin Sanchez.
Nearly 100 residents attended the event, where they learned about the causes of flooding, the city's resiliency efforts and steps homeowners and renters can take to reduce flood damage.
Attendees each received a free flood preparedness kit.
City officials distributed 200 bags that each contained about $300 worth of supplies that included flood barriers for doorways, a flood sensor alarm to detect rising water, and a sump pump to help remove floodwater.
Officials also demonstrated how to properly use many of the tools included in the kits.
Deputy Commissioner with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Beth DeFalco said educating residents is an important part of helping communities prepare for increasingly frequent flooding.
"Helping educate local residents about our infrastructure and what they can do to help prepare their homes and prevent flooding in their home, to be resilient and bouncing back from increasingly frequent flooding that we're seeing," De Falco explained.
James, a community member who attended the event, said the free supplies could help residents who have dealt with flooding before.
"It's great because I help a certain church and I had to use a sunk pump," he said.
The town hall came as city leaders also opened more than 50 overnight emergency shelters at public schools across the five boroughs for residents who needed a safe place to stay during the storm.
Officials encouraged New Yorkers to stay informed about changing weather conditions and take steps to prepare their homes as heavy rain continued to threaten the region.
