Woodhaven

Building Collapse on Jamaica Avenue

A building at the corner of 79th Street and Jamaica Avenue collapsed Friday evening around 6:30 PM.  Bricks rained down on to the street, crushing a vehicle and damaging the building next door, the home of the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps. 

The WRHVAC is the home of the Woodhaven Senior Center.  There is no immediate word on how bad the damage is or how this will effect the long term prospects of the building.  The Department of Biuildings had apparently condemned the collapsed building.

photo courtesy of the FDNY

J Train service was halted for over 2 hours as officials were concerned that the rumbling from passing trains would further collaps the building.  Traffic was blocked in both directions from Forest Parkway to 76th Street.  Buses were diverted on to side streets.  Here is on-the-scene video --

 

Here is an on-the-scene interview with Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps President Kathy Sexton Dalbey who describes the extent of the damage to the WRHVAC Building --

 

 

For more video and pictures, click here.

Woodhaven Prepares for Hurricane Sandy

As youare no doubt aware, a storm of significant size is approaching our area -- at this point it looks as if it will hit our area sometime Monday evening.  At 7.p.m. tonight the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin to orderly suspend of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service including the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. People should stay off the roads as much as possible. Conditions may become dangerous, and any traffic would impede our emergency services. 

All NYC Schools and Libraries are closed tomorrow.

If you are on Twitter, Mayor Mike Bloomberg's feed is a good one to follow to get updates on what's open and what's closed -- click here for Mike Bloomberg on Twitter.  For more local information you should also follow The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association,  the WRBA's Alex Blenkinsopp, and ProjectWoodhaven. 

Remember - if you are a Block Captain we will be reaching out to you for reports on conditions on your block.  Does your block have a captain?  Click here to see the latest map. 

Should a tree (or branch) come down, blocking your street -- CALL 311 -- make sure you write down the complaint number -- then report it to the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association via email at [email protected] or by calling us at 718-296-3735.  Do not report it to the WRBA without calling 311 first.

Do not underestimate this storm - use today to ensure that you are prepared.  Take a few moments to tour your front and back yards - as we are expecting high winds, please make sure that any loose items are stored away.  Make sure your gas tank is full.  Make sure your cell phones remain on charge.  Make sure you have ample working batteries for flashlights, radios, etc.  Be prepared for the worst - be prepared to be without electricity and/or water for a few days.

(Click here for some ideas on items you make need to stock up on.)

Take a few moments to review where all your important papers are -- make sure your insurance forms as safe and easily located. 

Should utility lines fall DO NOT TOUCH THEM. Even if the line is for another utility (cable or phone) the line could be charged with electricity due to a problem elsewhere in the system. TREAT EVERY UTILITY LINE AS IF IT WERE LIVE. If you observe a downed utility line call 311.

For additional information and tips regarding power, visit National Grid's Hurricane Sandy Page.

If you have an elderly neighbor please do take a few moments to check in on them and make sure they are okay.

What To Do In High Winds - Some Dos and Don'ts in the event you are caught outside in high winds.

Wind and Water Protection - Some tips on protecting you and your family from wind and water damage.

Protecting Your Pets - Some tips on protecting your pets during an emergency.

Do not take any unnecessary chances -- be careful -- stay safe.

WRBA Hosts Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Seminar

 

The Woodhaven Residents' Block Association is helping the residents of Woodhaven prepare for the upcoming winter by hosting a presentation by the American Red Cross entitled "Ready New York." This 45 minute emergency preparedness presentation teaches residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit, as well as keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster.  Participants will receive an interactive CD Rom that can be used to create a customized evacuation plan and other tools that will help any family get prepared.  Also included are various brochures from the American Red Cross and the New York City Office of Emergency Management. 

"Last winter we were hit by a massive blizzard right after Christmas and many of our residents were stuck in their homes for almost a week," said WRBA President Ed Wendell.  "We want to make sure that if that happens again, we're all better prepared for it."  The meeting will take place at 1 PM on Saturday, December 17th at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Ambulance Corps (78-15 Jamaica Avenue).

The WRBA will also continue signing up residents at part of their Block Captain program, which signs up local residents to be part of a communications network in the event of an emergency.  The WRBA reports that they currently have close to 40% of Woodhaven covered.  "In the wake of Hurricane Irene, we were able to quickly put together a comprehensive report of damage in our community," Wendell said.  "This winter, when we get hit with snow, we'll be able to report directly to the Department of Sanitation and tell them which streets need plowing.  We feel that an orderly, organized approach such as this will help us get better service."

Click here for a full sized version of the map.  

The WRBA was formed in 1972. Its stated purpose at the time remains its mission today: to foster "an interest in civic, social and political affairs." The WRBA advocates on behalf of the residents of Woodhaven, promotes neighborhood spirit by bringing together residents and local leaders, and seeks to engage all in the betterment of our community.

In addition to the upcoming winter, the WRBA will also discuss recent efforts to make changes to the laws regarding illegal signs and give an update on efforts to build a coalition to seek landmark status for the Forest Park Carousel.  We will also discuss the recent arrest of 2 graffiti vandals, arrests that were the direct result of information passed along to the NYPD by the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association.

 

Woodhaven Braces for Irene

There are a lot of useful links in this post.  As you’ve no doubt heard, Hurricane Irene is rapidly approaching our area — recent reports suggest that New York City will begin to experience heavy raqin starting 2 PM Saturday.  Hurrican Irene is expected to hit Woodhavben at 2 AM Sunday and continue until 2 PM.  There is a potential of 6 to 12 inches of rain and extremely high winds (estimated at 70+ mph).  Woodhaven is currently listed as a Zone C, which states that we are in danger of potential flooding from a Category 3-4  hurricane.  Under these conditions, we could also be at risk of losing electrical power.   Click here to view a map of Hurricane Zones as well as Evacuation Centers.

This is important because you will hear alerts that the Mayor has ordered a mandatory evacuation of all “Zone A” areas as well as the “Zone B” portion of the Rockaway Peninsula.   Woodhaven has NOT been ordered to evacuate.

Governor Cuomo has declared a state of emergency and NYC has already announced plans for shutting down the ENTIRE transit system effective Noon.

Be Prepared

Needless to say, this all sounds scary — but it’s best to prepare for the worst.  Attention to all our Block Captains, we will be reaching out to you for a report late Sunday, early Monday — you will be getting a follow-up e-mail before the storm hits.  Click here to see a map of all the blocks that have a captain — if your block does not have a Block Captain, please consider signing up.  It’s a way for us to be organized — to quickly gather information about conditions in our community in the event of an emergency (flooding, downed trees, power outages).  E-mail us at[email protected] or call 718-296-3735 if interested in signing up, or if you have questions.

Resources

Here are a few sites you may finds useful:

The Latest Weather for Woodhaven – Click here to see the latest forecast, or click here for a Hurricane Irene tracker.

A Guide to Preparing for an Emergency in NYC - This useful guide provides you with some handy checklists of things to think about in advance.  Are you prepared?

NYC Severe Weather Updates – Click here for the latest updates on Irene from NYC.

Tips and Things to Think About

• Follow all official instructions for Evacuation and Emergency warnings to stay off the road.  Get out today and get your supplies.  Do not take warnings of dangerous conditions lightly.
• Gas up your vehicles ahead of time.  Gas stations may close early – head out today and fill up your tank.
• Make sure any loose items on your porch or in your backyard are secured.  In a hurricane, these items can become lethal objects.
• Have Cash on hand.  If there’s a power outage, credit cards will not be accepted in most locations.
• Have batteries and flashlights on hand.  Make sure they work.  Try not to use candles.  The last thing you need is a fire!
• Make sure you have all of your critical medication on hand, in the house, before Irene hits.
• Have a 3-day non-perishable food supply on hand.  Have 1 gal water per person per day/plan for 3 day minimum.
• Have personal documents on hand in dry bag or sealed plastic bag.
• Have “old electronic” radio on hand (battery or crank).
• If you have elderly neighbors, please check in on them today and make sure they are okay and that they have your number (or the number of someone they can call for help).
• Prepare for a few days indoors.  Do not head outdoors during the storm.

Con Edison’s Safety Advice

ConEdison will be on high-alert throughout the storm. Customers can report power interruptions or service problems atwww.conEd.com or at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).  As a reminder:

• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water.
• Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
• If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored.
• Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios are in working order.  Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations.
• In the event that you lose electricity, limit how much you open your freezer or refrigerator.  Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.

Messages From Our Elected Officials To Woodhaven Residents

Sen. Joe Addabbo:  If you have any emergencies over the weekend please call my 24 hour hotline at 718-738-1111 so we can start working on your issues immediately.

Assemblyman Mike Miller:   If our office can be of any assistance to you before, during, or after the storm, please feel free to contact us 24/7 at 718-805-0950.  As always we will have someone answering the phone during all hours of the day and night.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley:  If you have any questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to call my office at 718-366-3900. Our office will be open from 9-3 on Saturday and when appropriate on Sunday, so feel free to visit us at 64-77 Dry Harbor Rd. Middle Village.

Councilman Eric Ulrich:  My Ozone Park district office will be OPEN all weekend to assist people who need help. (718) 738-1083

You can also call the WRBA at 718-296-3735 — but you will need to leave a message.  Once again, consider becoming a Block Captain — you’ll be more “plugged in” during an emergency.