The Mayor has called for the first time ever, a MANDATORY evacuation for Battery Park City, which is one of the low lying areas in New York City. What does this mean for us? Why are these warnings so important?

• Battery Park City is not more than 5 feet above sea level. The full moon, high tide and hurricane can bring sea/storm surge up to 8 feet.

• Flooding is expected in our area and should the hurricane and water cause damage or major flooding — Emergency Services Vehicles would have trouble reaching our neighborhood.

• Trees and park area can be uprooted by the hurricane’s impact.

• World Trade Center construction also causes a challenge, as workers are securing cranes, equipment and construction elements that might be lifted by elevated winds.

• MTA plans a citywide shutdown of services by 12pm tomorrow Saturday, August 27th – paralyzing our ability to leave the neighborhood.

• Most stores and businesses in our area are also part of the mandatory evacuation order.

• According to the Mayor, taping windows is not necessary and futile to protect windows. Best safety protocol is mandatory evacuation of our neighborhood.

• All area events, including Governor’s Island and Major Sporting Events have been cancelled — nothing to stay for this weekend – bolsters reason to evacuate sooner than later.

• Those who are not evacuated by 5pm, Saturday August 27th will be subject to city fines.