New York City Emergency Management is urging Brooklyn residents to prepare for flash floods, with special warnings for the thousands living in basement apartments across neighborhoods like Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint.
“Flooding can escalate from a nuisance to a life-threatening danger very quickly,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Rainstorms can feel routine, but they can turn deadly within moments—especially for New Yorkers in basement apartments.”
Flash flooding kills more than 140 people annually in the United States and is the leading cause of thunderstorm-related deaths. Basement apartments face the greatest risk because they are typically the first places where water enters and can fill rapidly, with dangerous conditions developing in seconds.
NYCEM announced Thursday a new flood preparedness communications toolkit designed to help community organizations, advocacy groups, and businesses amplify life-saving messages to residents. The agency also released episode 29 of “¡Prepárate!,” its Spanish-language podcast, where Chief of Staff Yokarina Duarte-Medina discusses flood dangers and preparation steps.
The announcement comes as flash flooding has become more frequent and severe across all five boroughs in recent years. Heavy rain can overwhelm streets, transit systems, and homes, with water rising in minutes and often with little warning.
Basement apartment residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Notify NYC Basement Alert Group, which provides targeted warnings about life-threatening weather conditions. “Make sure you’re signed up for Notify NYC: you can opt-in to receive special flood warnings designed to alert New Yorkers living in basement apartments about life-threatening weather conditions,” Farrell said.
NYCEM recommends basement residents go to higher floors when it rains and not wait for water to enter their unit. Residents should plan ahead with neighbors to have a safe place to go during flooding, keep exits clear, and know more than one way out.
The agency advises all residents to prepare a “Go Bag” with IDs, medications, flashlight and batteries, chargers, and extra clothes. Important documents and electronics should be kept in waterproof bags, and residents should install water sensors or flood alarms in basements and ground floors.
During flash flood threats, NYCEM activates the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan, coordinating with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, utility providers, and private sector partners. The Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation conduct targeted inspections and clearing of catch basins in flood-prone areas before storms.
New Yorkers can sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and replying with their ZIP code, or by visiting nyc.gov/notify. Additional flood preparedness resources are available at floodhelpny.org and nyc.gov/floodprep.
Featured image: Bushwick Daily archive
