Victims Need Information on a Regular Basis - One Long Beach Building is Doing a Good Job

Immediately after the storm, as victims assessed their damage, they wanted to know that the authorities were aware of their situation and were working towards solutions.  Some concerns that were voiced to me were:

• People living in homes next door to each other were given varying estimates as to when power would be restored: the shortest estimate was 2 days; the longet was 10 days.  This was disconcerting to the residents.
• Condos and Co-ops that had their own websites were not posting any information
• Employees didn't know the status of their workplace

The Ocean Club in Long Beach is a building that is making good use of its website.  Here is today's post.  Note that they include the City of Long Beach's post:

RECOVERY ON ITS WAY PLEASE READ

November 05, 2012
UNIT OWNERS AND UNIT OWNERS WITH RENTALS!!!!!!!
THERE MOST LIKELY WILL BE NO ELEVATORS BUT THE BUILDING SHOULD BE LIVABLE WITHIN TWO TO THREE WEEKS.
THATS IF WE DONT HIT ANY BUMPS IN THE ROAD. YOU WILL BE UPDATED DAILY!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!!!

CITY OF LONG BEACH RECOVERY UPDATE – NOVEMBER 5, 2012
longbeachny.gov - facebook.com/longbeachnewyork

6 days after the storm, recovery is in full swing – FEMA is here, sanitation pickup is going around the clock, & help has arrived in force.Our critical priorities remain the 24/7 effort to restore water & sewer. Extraordinary assistance, resources, & personnel are pouring in by the hour. To receive phone, email, or text updates, please visit longbeachny.gov and sign up for SWIFT911 notifications. PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday’s City Council meeting is cancelled due to the City’s state of emergency & evacuation.
•FEMA◦FEMA registration intake available for individuals & small businesses at Ice Arena 7 days a week from 9-5.
◦Document all your damage (e.g., take photographs, save receipts).
◦Residents can also file claims at fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

•How You Can Help◦To volunteer, please call 516-301-0932 – please let us know your specialties.
◦We are accepting donations at the Ice Arena. Food & water donations are also being accepted at East & West Schools and Waldbaum’s Plaza.
◦Financial Donations can be made on our website (longbeachny.gov)or sent to:
City of Long Beach Relief; 1 West Chester Street; Long Beach, NY 11561

•Voting – contact the Nassau County Board of Elections for more information at 516-571-VOTE (8683)◦Elections are taking place in Long Beach on Tuesday; if you normally vote at Temple Emanu-El or East School, you will vote at East School; everyone else will vote at Lindell School.
◦Transportation to and from polling locations will be available by City buses.
◦The City’s curfew will be temporarily waived for residents who need to vote after 6pm.
◦Absentee ballots are available at the information booth in front of City Hall.

•Water & Sewer◦You CAN flush your toilets.
◦The City’s drinking water is being tested and is now awaiting Nassau County Health approval.
◦PLEASE CONSERVE WATER; too much use will slow the restoration process.

•Power◦LIPA’s damage assessment is complete; City officials joined with the Governor and County Executive to demand a timeline for restoration and are holding LIPA accountable; crews are working in the City daily.
◦Keep your main circuit breakers turned off.
◦The traffic light at Long Beach Road is working – please drive safely.

•Damage Assessment◦Building inspectors continue to visit EVERY home in the City.
◦Homes will be graded either Green (OK), Yellow (Needs Electrical Work), or Red (Condemned).

•Food/Water/Clothing Distribution◦Food & Water are available at East & West School and Waldbaum’s Plaza daily from 9am to 4pm.
◦Donated Food, Water. Clothing and Household Item Distribution is at the Ice Arena.

•Sanitation◦Sanitation crews are picking up debris, bagged garbage, & bulk items 7 days a week; leave garbage at curb.
◦You MUST separate your bulk garbage (e.g., refrigerators, TVs) from regular garbage.

•Health & Public Safety◦Strict curfew to protect resident safety now 6pm-6am due to Daylight Savings time.
◦The City has secured a federally staffed temporary hospital located at the Recreation Baseball Field.
◦LBFD has established a medical infirmary with LBMC doctors and nurses, triaging patients in the bus depot.
◦Though a mandatory evacuation is in effect, there will be no forced evacuations.
◦LBPD patrolling in non LBPD vehicles; many LBPD vehicles damaged in the storm.
◦LB City Court matters transferred to NC District Court in - 99 Main Street in Hempstead.
◦12 to 24 ambulances on site daily; dial 911 for emergencies.
◦LB Animal Shelter is conducting a search & rescue of pets: please contact 516-941-5345 or 516-410-8029.
◦Mitchell Field shelter is still accepting pets.

•Schools◦Long Beach City Schools are planning for a partial opening on Wednesday; call 897-2000 or visit lbeach.org.

•Post Office◦Your mail will be available at the Garden City Post Office on Stewart Ave. & can be picked up this week.

•Electronic Devices◦Verizon station in Kennedy Plaza to charge devices, make free short phone calls, and access internet.
◦T-Mobile cell phone access in the central downtown of Long Beach has been restored.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!