People Of The Powerless Zones: More Help Is On The Way

Christopher Robbins

Published Oct 31, 2012

Modified Oct 31, 2012

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A Red Cross convoy headed to Long Island

Winnie Romeril / American Red Cross

Christopher Robbins

Published Oct 31, 2012

Modified Oct 31, 2012

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Folks living in New York City's darkened Powerless Zones, (and there are millions of you): more help is on the way. Red Cross Communications Officer Michael de Vulpillieres emails us to say that 35 emergency response vehicles "stocked with food, snacks, water and clean up supplies" are headed to the city, and will fan out to serve communities affected by Sandy. "We also are identifying sites for large mobile kitchens to be set up in the city where food will be prepared and distributed," Vulpillieres writes. According to State Senator Daniel Squadron's office, residents remaining in the Smith, Riis, and Baruch Houses will soon have running water from city-provided generators.

We'll add an update as soon as we know the locations of the Red Cross trucks. Meanwhile, Brooklyn BP Marty Markowitz has requested an increased National Guard presence, saying in a statement that the Brooklyn's resources "have been stretched to the limit," and that "in the name of public safety we need to send more National Guard personnel into Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Gerritsen Beach, Red Hook and any other locations the governor deems appropriate."

If the 76 city-sponsored shelters aren't enough, New York Sports Club has opened all of their locations free of charge to people who need power, a shower, or just want to use their equipment. You can find the nearest location to you here.

For those who are worried about friends and loved ones who may be stuck in their apartments due to elevator outages or darkened stairwells, the Red Cross has a Safe & Well registry to check up on them (although you may not be able to get in touch with them to register). Some goods and services can be coordinated through the offices of state senators or assemblymen—find out who they are here.

The New York City Public Advocate's Office is also organizing volunteers across the five boroughs—you can register to participate for a variety of four-hour shifts here. You can get details on donating some much-needed blood to the New York Blood Center here, help clean up Staten Island with Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakishere, or serve hot meals to relocated, stranded seniors at the Park Slope Armory by emailing councilmember Brad Lander. There are many, many ways you can help out, and you can find more here.

If you'd care to assist in the recovery efforts outside of New York City, fill out the Red Cross' volunteer form here. You'll be making a 72-hour commitment, but doesn't helping people in need sound better than trying to get through Infinite Jest again?

Additional reporting by Nell Casey

Tagged

brooklyn

devastation

hurricane sandy

lower manhattan

powerless zones

queens

red hook

staten island

original

Christopher Robbins

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Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

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