New York City Council
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management
Jan 29, 2025
·
01:00 PM
45 min
Summary
A hearing on flash flooding preparedness and response in New York City, focusing on the increasing challenges posed by flash flooding events and their impact on city infrastructure and resident safety.
Discussions included:
- The city's vulnerabilities to flash flooding
- Emergency communication strategies
- Post-flood recovery operations
- The proposed legislation (Intro 807) to establish emergency shelters for flash flooding events
Council members expressed concerns about the lack of pre-designated emergency shelters and called for better inter-agency collaboration and proactive measures.
Features testimony from NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Joann Ariola's opening remarks on flash flooding preparedness and response
Council Member Joann Ariola, as chairperson of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, provides opening remarks for a hearing on flash flooding preparedness and response in New York City. …
0:00:32
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3 min
Introduction and overview of flash flood emergency management
Heather Roiter, Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Resilience at NYC Emergency Management, introduces herself and sets the stage for discussing flash flood emergencies in New York City. She emphasizes the …
0:04:57
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14 sec
Challenges in predicting flash floods
The testimony highlights the inherent difficulties in accurately predicting flash floods, emphasizing the short lead times and high variability in rainfall patterns. These challenges significantly impact the city's ability to …
0:05:12
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104 sec
NYC's Flash Flood Emergency Plan and its evolution
The testimony outlines the development and improvement of New York City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan since its initial release in 2009. It highlights the recent enhancements made to the plan, …
0:06:56
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73 sec
Enhanced public warning capabilities via Notify NYC
The testimony details the improvements made to the Notify NYC program, focusing on its enhanced capabilities for public warning during flash flood events. The program now includes new message types …
0:08:09
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60 sec
Multi-platform communication approach for emergencies
The testimony outlines New York City's comprehensive approach to emergency communication, utilizing multiple platforms to ensure widespread dissemination of crucial information during flash flood events. - Mentions the use of …
0:09:10
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34 sec
Introduction of flood alarms as a response tool
The testimony introduces flood alarms as a new, low-cost tool to enhance residents' ability to respond to flash flood events in New York City. These alarms serve as an additional …
0:09:45
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40 sec
Post-flood recovery operations and damage assessment
The testimony details the city's approach to post-flood recovery operations and damage assessment, highlighting the transition from emergency response to recovery and the tools used to gather information on flood …
0:10:25
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89 sec
Opposition to Introduction 807 on flash flood shelters
The testimony outlines Emergency Management's strong opposition to Introduction 807, which proposes establishing pre-designated flash flood shelters. The agency cites scientific limitations and potential dangers to New Yorkers as primary …
0:11:56
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107 sec
Community education and engagement through Ready New York program
The testimony highlights the city's ongoing efforts in community education and engagement through the Ready New York program. This initiative focuses on preparing New Yorkers for various emergencies, including flash …
0:13:44
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55 sec
Importance of personal emergency planning for residents
The testimony concludes by stressing the critical importance of personal emergency planning for New York City residents, especially those living in high-risk areas such as basement apartments or low-lying zones. …
0:14:39
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46 sec
Council Member Ariola advocates for Intro 807 to establish pre-designated flood shelters
Council Member Joann Ariola expresses strong support for Intro 807, which aims to establish pre-designated emergency shelters for flash flooding events. She criticizes NYCEM's resistance to the bill and argues …
0:15:28
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119 sec
NYCEM's collaboration with DEP on drainage improvements and catch basin cleaning
Council Member Ariola inquires about NYCEM's efforts to improve drainage and mitigate flood risk in areas prone to flash floods. Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter explains NYCEM's collaboration with the Department …
0:17:27
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73 sec
NYCEM's targeted outreach to individuals in flood-prone areas
Council Member Ariola inquires about NYCEM's targeted outreach to individuals living or working in flood-prone areas. Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter explains NYCEM's approach to informing residents about flood risks and …
0:18:41
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60 sec
Communication methods for flood alerts beyond social media
Council Member Ariola inquires about communication methods for flood alerts for those who don't use social media platforms like Twitter or X. Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter explains the various ways …
0:19:42
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13 sec
Safety concerns about legalizing basement apartments in flood-prone areas
Council Member Ariola raises concerns about the safety implications of legalizing basement apartments in flood-prone areas. She questions the wisdom of this move given the flooding risks and challenges in …
0:19:55
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36 sec
NYCEM's advice for individuals in below-grade spaces during flood events
Council Member Ariola inquires about NYCEM's advice for individuals living or working in below-grade spaces during anticipated rainfall or flood events. Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter explains NYCEM's recommendations for those …
0:20:32
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50 sec
Use of Advanced Warning System (AWS) program for reaching vulnerable populations
Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter explains NYCEM's approach to reaching vulnerable populations during emergencies, highlighting the Advanced Warning System (AWS) program. - NYCEM emphasizes the importance of having a network to …
0:21:22
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26 sec
Discussion on door-to-door outreach in low-lying areas
Council Member Ariola inquires about NYCEM's capabilities for conducting door-to-door outreach in low-lying areas prone to flooding. She emphasizes the importance of proactively urging people to move to higher ground …
0:21:47
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43 sec
Potential use of precincts and firehouses as emergency shelters
Council Member Ariola inquires about the potential use of police precincts and firehouses as emergency shelter locations during flash flood events. She asks how this approach might align with the …
0:22:30
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43 sec
Differences between coastal flood risk and flash flood risk
Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter explains the key differences between coastal flood risk and flash flood risk, highlighting the challenges in planning for flash flood events. - Coastal flood risk areas …
0:23:15
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99 sec
Lack of communication about safe locations during flood events
Council Member Ariola criticizes the lack of clear communication about safe locations for residents during flood events. She emphasizes that even as an elected official, she doesn't have a list …
0:24:54
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57 sec
NYCEM's offer to provide a list of fire and police stations for hazard planning
Deputy Commissioner Heather Roiter offers to provide a list of fire and police stations throughout the city for hazard planning purposes. Council Member Ariola concludes that this response demonstrates the …
0:25:52
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27 sec
Council Member Kevin C. Riley discusses flood preparedness and emergency response in the Northeast Bronx
Council Member Kevin C. Riley addresses flood preparedness and emergency response issues in his Northeast Bronx district, highlighting the need for better outreach, collaboration with community organizations, and improved assistance …
0:26:20
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3 min
Council Member Schulman discusses flooding concerns in Central Queens and requests for better preparedness
Council Member Lynn C. Schulman addresses the committee about flooding issues in her district (Central Queens), which is not typically considered a flood zone. She emphasizes the need for better …
0:30:08
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130 sec
Council Member De La Rosa discusses flash flooding impacts in Northern Manhattan
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa raises concerns about flash flooding in her district of Northern Manhattan, focusing on the impact on small businesses and the challenges posed by …
0:32:22
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3 min
Identification and monitoring of chronic flooding locations
Council Member Joann Ariola inquires about how the city identifies and monitors chronic flooding locations during flash flood events. She also asks if NYCEM or DCAS maintains a list of …
0:35:29
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17 sec
Catch basin cleaning and maintenance procedures
Council Member Joann Ariola questions NYCEM's involvement in catch basin cleaning and maintenance, while Heather Roiter explains NYCEM's role in coordinating with other agencies like DEP for this task. - …
0:35:48
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99 sec
Maintenance of lists for city-managed buildings in flood-prone areas
Council Member Joann Ariola presses NYCEM about maintaining a list of city-managed buildings in chronic flood locations, specifically mentioning buildings in the Rockaway Peninsula. Heather Roiter's responses are non-committal, indicating …
0:37:27
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44 sec
Criticism of inter-agency collaboration in flood preparedness
Council Member Joann Ariola expresses strong criticism about the apparent lack of collaboration between NYCEM and other agencies in addressing flood risks. She emphasizes the need for proactive measures to …
0:38:11
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69 sec
NYCEM's flood risk communication and information sharing
Heather Roiter defends NYCEM's efforts in communicating flood risks, explaining the various tools and resources available. Council Member Joann Ariola expresses skepticism and requests to see the shared information. - …
0:39:21
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49 sec
NYCEM's involvement in evacuation planning for Rockaway Peninsula
Council Member Joann Ariola questions NYCEM's involvement in creating an evacuation plan for the Rockaway Peninsula and Broad Channel during A train track work. Heather Roiter is unable to provide …
0:40:10
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66 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in opposition to Intro 807, arguing that flash floods are acts of God that cannot be predicted or controlled by humans. He questions the effectiveness of …
0:42:02
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133 sec