Photo Credit: Some New York City drivers were forced to abandon their cars in the middle of the street amid severe flooding overnight.Robert Mecea/NY Post
August 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sabrina L. Rezzy
rezzys@nyassembly.gov
718-840-0428
Flood Advisory & State of Emergency In Effect For Tropical Storm Henri
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn issued the following statement about Tropical Storm Henri, which hit NYC today, and how New Yorkers can prepare and stay safe:

“The storm is hitting New York City today, with three to six inches of rain expected in the city, with more in certain areas. We have already witnessed flooding of the MTA as well as streets in Brooklyn, seen stranded cars, and washed out roads.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for New York City, and Mayor de Blasio has declared a State of Emergency. 

In accordance with the Mayor and the NYC Office of Emergency Management, I advise everyone to take this storm seriously, and follow the following precautions issued by the City:

  • Stay in to the maximum extent possible
  • If you must travel, use public transportation if possible 
  • The storm may cause power outages: To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
  • Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
  • If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.
  • Do not use generators indoors.
  • Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
  • Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway as the water depth may be too great to allow you to cross safely
  • When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. 
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.

I am relentlessly monitoring this situation and I am in communication with the city and state offices and officials. We will keep you apprised with any pertinent updates or advice.” 
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She is also a member of the Task Force on Women's Issues and sits on Governor Cuomo's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor De Blasio's MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.  

Learn more about 
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn by visiting her websites: