REMARKS
Council Member Joann Ariola's opening remarks on flash flooding preparedness and response
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ยท
3 min
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. She outlines the increasing challenges posed by flash flooding events, their impact on city infrastructure and resident safety, and introduces legislation (Intro 807) aimed at establishing emergency shelters for flash flooding events.
- Highlights the frequency and intensity of flash flooding events in recent years
- Discusses the city's vulnerabilities, including concrete surfaces, subway systems, and basement apartments
- Mentions the need for investments in flood preparedness similar to those made after Hurricane Sandy
Joann Ariola
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Good afternoon.
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I'm council member Joanne Arriola, and I'm chairperson of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management.
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I'm joined today by my colleague, Kevin Riley, New York City's Emergency Management, also known as NYSM, is responsible for coordinating New York City's emergency planning and response for all types of scales of emergencies, including extreme weather events such as coastal storms and flash flooding.
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As seen during a number of heavy thunderstorms in recent years, the city faces ongoing issues of extreme flash flooding during periods of heavy rain.
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These events, which have proven deadly at times, present challenges to the city's aging infrastructure and the ability of our city to protect residents in need.
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Flash flooding from heavy rainfall is not a new phenomenon in New York City.
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However, the frequency and intensity of such events has increased in recent years.
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These incidents have created dangerous conditions resulting in loss of life and significant damage to public and private property.
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Throughout the city, concrete surfaces, the relative lack of vegetation, and large areas of impermeable surfaces exacerbate the risk of flooding caused by heavy rainfall events.
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Substantial flooding on arterial roadways and local streets have trapped drivers throughout the city and place civilians and first responders at significant risk.
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The New York City subway system has also become increasingly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfalls during the system through the station entrances and ventilation systems, causing significant disruptions to transit service and dangerous conditions.
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Additionally, in certain parts of the city, below grade portions of buildings have faced significant damage due to flash flooding, which can cause significant property damage and threaten safety of individuals in basement level apartments.
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Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the city has invested significant resources to improving infrastructure and preparedness in areas of cities the city's vulnerable coastal flooding.
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These vital investments will provide much needed support and resiliency to vulnerable communities on our shorelines.
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However, we need similar focus on investments to ensure the city is taking the necessary steps to protect communities that are known to be at high risk for flooding.
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Although the solutions will likely be different than those need to combat coastal flooding, the seriousness of the threat of life and property warrants similar investment.
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To that end, the committee is interested in how the city has prepared for and addressed severe weather emergencies that produce flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas.
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Additionally, the committee is hearing intro number 807 sponsored by council member and majority whip, Silvina Brooks Powers.
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This legislation would require NYSM to establish a a pilot program for utilizing emergency shelter locations for the purpose of providing refuge prior to and during flash flooding events.
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We look forward to hearing the testimony from the administration and examining the detailed planning that is required to guarantee that all New Yorkers remain safe when facing potential flash flood events.
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I'd also like to note that we've been joined by my colleague, Lynn Schulman.