Know the Terms

What to Do Before a Hurricane

If You Must Evacuate

Know your zone. Determine whether you live in an evacuation zone by using the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder at NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115). Zones are color-coded and labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 when represented on a map. If your address is in one of the City’s hurricane evacuation zones, you may be ordered to evacuate if a hurricane threatens New York City.

Evacuees should be prepared to stay with friends or family who live outside evacuation zone boundaries.

If you cannot stay with friends or family, use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder, or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to identify which evacuation center is most appropriate for you. Evacuation information is subject to change. For the latest information, visit NYC.gov or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115). Visit the MTA's website at www.mta.info or call 511 for the latest transit information. If you need assistance evacuating during an emergency, please call 311. Information on evacuation centers, including accessibility features, is subject to change. Please visit NYC.gov/knowyourzone or contact 311 for updated reports on building status and accessibility features.

When a coastal storm is approaching, the City may order the evacuation of neighborhoods in danger of flooding from storm surge, starting with zone 1 and adding more zones as needed. Zones will be evacuated depending on life safety-related threats from a hurricane’s forecasted strength, track, and storm surge.

*If the City issues an evacuation order for your area, do so as directed.* The City will communicate through local media specific instructions about which areas of the city should evacuate. If a mandatory evacuation is issued, do so as directed. Use public transportation if possible, keeping in mind that public transportation may shut down hours before the storm. For additional information about how to evacuate, including transportation options, please contact 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).

How to Evacuate

Since flooding and high winds can occur many hours before a hurricane makes landfall, evacuees should leave their homes immediately if instructed to do so by emergency officials. The City strongly recommends evacuees stay with friends or family who live outside evacuation zones. Evacuees should plan their mode of transportation with special care and take the following steps:

Plan to use mass transit as much as possible, as it offers the fastest way to reach your destination. Using mass transit reduces the volume of evacuees on the roadways, reducing the risk of dangerous and time-consuming traffic delays. Please note that public transportation may shut down hours before the storm.

as it offers the fastest way to reach your destination. Using mass transit reduces the volume of evacuees on the roadways, reducing the risk of dangerous and time-consuming traffic delays. Please note that public transportation may shut down hours before the storm. Listen carefully to local news media, which will broadcast reports about weather and transportation conditions.

which will broadcast reports about weather and transportation conditions. Leave early. Hazards like strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding may force the early closure of roads, bridges, and tunnels. Also, evacuate early if you rely on elevators to get out of your building. Elevators may be out of service and may not be available at all times.

Hazards like strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding may force the early closure of roads, bridges, and tunnels. Also, evacuate early if you rely on elevators to get out of your building. Elevators may be out of service and may not be available at all times. Allow additional travel time and consider your transportation, dietary, and medical needs (oxygen, extra batteries/chargers, eyeglasses, prescriptions, etc.). Bring all medications with you and have contact information for your health providers written down to carry with you.

(oxygen, extra batteries/chargers, eyeglasses, prescriptions, etc.). Bring all medications with you and have contact information for your health providers written down to carry with you. The City advises against car travel during an evacuation. The City will be working hard to keep roads clear, but traffic is unavoidable in any evacuation. Be ready for a long, slow trip. The City will monitor conditions along major transportation routes to help vehicular traffic flow as smoothly as possible. Evacuation route signs point the way to high ground, away from coastal flooding. If you must evacuate, leave your home before storm conditions make roadways unsafe. Stay tuned to local media for information about road and bridge closures. New York State's 511 can help you monitor traffic on State roads. Many evacuation centers do NOT have parking available. Wind restrictions and vehicle bans may be implemented on area bridges. Large vehicles such as trailers, trucks, other vehicles with higher wind profiles will be restricted sooner than cars or SUVs. In any significant rainstorm, *avoid driving through standing water.*

The City will be working hard to keep roads clear, but traffic is unavoidable in any evacuation.

If you must go to an evacuation center, it is important to carefully select what you take with you. Do not bring more than you can carry, but be sure to bring your Go Bag with you.

Evacuation information is subject to change. For the latest information, visit NYC.gov or call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115). Visit the MTA's website at www.mta.info or call 511 for the latest transit information. If you need assistance evacuating during an emergency, please call 311.

Evacuation Transportation for People with Disabilities and Others with Access or Functional Needs

When the Mayor has issued an evacuation order due to a coastal storm or hurricane, people with disabilities or other access or functional needs, who have no other options to evacuate safely, can request transportation assistance.

Depending on your need, you will either be taken to:

An accessible evacuation center in an accessible vehicle, OR

A hospital outside of the evacuation zone via ambulance.

You may not be able to request transportation to a specific address.

Specific instructions about which areas of the City should be evacuated will be communicated through various channels. If you live or are staying in an evacuation zone and your zone is ordered to evacuate, leave as soon as you can.

Use public transportation to evacuate if possible. When considering your transportation route, be aware that public transportation, including MTA's Access-A-Ride, may shut down hours before the storm arrives.

For Residents of High-Rise Buildings and Basements

Residents of high-rise apartment buildings may face special risks from hurricanes even if they live outside evacuation zone boundaries.

If you live in a high-rise building, make sure your windows are closed, stay away from windows in case they break or shatter.

If you live in a high-rise building located in an evacuation zone, heed all storm warnings and evacuation orders.

heed all storm warnings and evacuation orders. If you live in a high-rise building outside of an evacuation zone, especially on the 10th floor or above, stay away from windows in case they break or shatter. You should move to a lower floor. Be aware of your building's evacuation plan. Read OSHA's tips for Evacuating High-Rise Buildings (in PDF)

If you live in a basement, you may face additional risks from hurricanes even if you live outside evacuation zone boundaries. Many areas of the city can experience rainfall flooding. If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to take shelter above ground, and move valuable items from basements to upper floors.

Evacuation Centers and Sheltering

The City strongly recommends evacuees stay with friends or family who live outside evacuation zones. For those who have no other shelter, the City will open evacuation centers throughout the five boroughs.

All evacuees will be accepted, and evacuees will not be asked about their immigration status at any New York City evacuation center or shelter.

Evacuation centers include accessible facilities and accommodations for people with disabilities and access and functional needs.*

To find out the location of your nearest evacuation center, use NYC Emergency Management's Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder.

If you are going to an evacuation center, pack lightly, and bring:

Your Go Bag

Sleeping bag or bedding

At least a week's supply of any medication (if possible), medical supplies, or medical equipment you use regularly

Toiletries

If You Have a Pet or Service Animal

Make sure your disaster plan addresses what you will do with your pet or service animal if a hurricane requires you to leave your home.

If you cannot shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation area, pets are allowed at all City evacuation centers. Please bring supplies to care for your pet or service animal, including food, leashes, a carrier, and medication.

Learn more about emergency preparedness for pets

*Information on evacuation centers, including accessibility features, is subject to change. Please visit the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or contact 311 for information about a particular facility and updated reports on building status and accessibility features.

More Resources

Watch the video below for information about staying in evacuation centers (presented in American Sign Language).