NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) advised building owners and property managers on Thursday, Sept. 2, to take added precautions when surveying damage at their properties, after historic and deadly floods inundated neighborhoods across the city overnight.

 

Officials said heavy flooding conditions have the potential to cause structural damage, undermining concerns, hazardous mold, and deterioration of building electrical and gas plumbing systems, all of which can pose a serious hazard to New Yorkers entering flood-damaged buildings.

 

Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca said that while the worst of the flooding has thankfully subsided, it doesn’t mean that the potential for hazards is over. “Flood-damaged buildings can still pose a serious danger to New Yorkers. Take precautions, and if you spot any unsafe conditions, report it immediately.”

Building owners and property managers are advised to take the following precautions:

• Check your property for any structural stability issues or unsafe conditions due to flooding, and contact the Department of Buildings by calling 311 if there are concerns. For building-related emergencies call 911.
• When surveying flood damage in a building look out for mold, any newly formed cracks along the wall, and signs of foundation damage including bulging walls.
• Heavy flooding can have a significant effect on the structural stability of outdoor structures such as decks, porches and retaining walls. Take extra precaution near these outdoor structures, due to the potential for collapse.
• Flooding can also cause the soil around buildings to shift. Be cautious of sink holes forming on your property, especially near septic systems. Avoid areas around large trees if the surrounding soil is soft.
• Do not wade into standing flood water in basements and cellars to survey damage. The water may be contaminated, contain hazardous debris, or be electrically charged.
• Floods can cause damage to electrical wiring and gas plumbing systems inside of a building, creating an imminent hazard to anyone inside of the building. Extreme caution should be taken if there are concerns that standing water in a building may be electrified. Never attempt to turn off power or operate a circuit breaker while standing in water.
• When investigating and cleaning flood damage in your building, wear gloves, boots, a mask and other protective clothing, to protect yourself from mold and other contaminants.
• If your basement or cellar is flooded, use caution when pumping out the water. Pumping out flood water from a building too quickly could cause serious structural damage. The water must be drained slowly to equalize pressure on both sides of building walls.
• If you need to use a gas-powered generator, never use it indoors. Keep generators outside, away from open windows, and always follow the user instructions in the owner’s manual.
• Concerns about drinking water contamination in a building should be reported to 311.
• Extensive repair work in a building may require the services of a registered contractor as well as DOB-issued work permits. Electrical Wiring repairs will require the services of a licensed electrician. Gas plumbing system repairs will require the services of a licensed plumber. Check the license status of these construction professionals here.
• Licensed Master Plumbers performing emergency work to address a hazardous situation, restore essential services, and maintain sanitary conditions, have the ability to file an Emergency Work Notifications with the Department online, allowing them to start repairs immediately with no wait time from DOB. The plumber can then submit the paperwork for any required permits with the Department after the job is already completed.
• Before starting any major repairs at your building, contact a construction professional or the Department of Buildings.

 

Gov. Kathy Hochul held a press conference with Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials on Sept. 2., providing an overview of the relief efforts in the aftermath of the storm.

 

 

All New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report any unsafe building conditions in their neighborhood. Call 911 for emergencies. For more information about building safety, please visit the Department’s website at www.nyc.gov/buildings.

 

 

Meanwhile, New York City Department of Sanitation, (DSNY) the world’s largest municipal sanitation agency, provided the following update on operations in the wake of Tropical Storm Ida, which battered the area with over seven inches of rain during the overnight hours.

 

• DSNY collection operations continue, but due to staffing constraints, delays are possible in many areas of the City. We ask all New Yorkers to be patient during this process as we work to collect material. Residents should feel free to place their material at the curb for collection on schedule.
• Sanitation enforcement activities for dirty sidewalks and other cleaning violations have been suspended through Labor Day, Monday, September 6.
• As previously announced, Alternate Side Parking is suspended today, Thursday, September 2nd. DSNY mechanical brooms are traversing the City clearing accessible catch-basins to facilitate drainage. Any resident who is able to assist by sweeping a basin in front of their property is respectfully asked to do so.
• DSNY has pivoted into an emergency response mode. We are canvassing areas across the City that have been affected by flooding and are prepared for a widespread debris removal operation in the coming days, including possible localized operations over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Residents can place out debris for collection as needed and do not need to wait for their normal collection day. It may several days for Sanitation to complete debris removal operations.

Our city is already experiencing the deadly ramifications of inaction when it comes to the climate crisis. Which electeds are going to *actually* do something about it? pic.twitter.com/O8Ad2x3BBc

— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) September 4, 2021

 

“This was a record-breaking rainfall, and the entire Department of Sanitation extends our sincerest sympathies to all those affected by this storm,” said Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson. “We will do everything we can to help New Yorkers dig out, clean up, and rebuild, and urge patience as we make our way across the City.”