Hurricaine Irene Update - 6.30pm on 26/08

August 26, 2011

Over the next few days the East Coast is set for extreme weather conditions in the form of Hurricane Irene.  Currently flights are departing as scheduled and travel information is being updated on airline websites – but as the Hurricane approaches the New York City area cancellations are more likely to occur.

What should I do right now?

Ensure you have somewhere to stay for the next few days – THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS YOU ARE SAFE.   US authorities have set up a number of Evacuation Shelters in the New York and Washington areas.    Please find the link to a map of New York Shelters below: http://www.campamerica.co.uk/cad/documents/nyevacuationshelters.pdf

Please click here for a map of Evacuation Shelters US wide: http://app.redcross.org/nss-app/

NYC:
Attached is the map of shelters.  In the lower right hand corner it list the address of the shelters in Manhattan.  According to the website the following changed have been made:

*NOTE: The Evacuation Center marked in the hurricane evacuation zone map as Aqueduct Racetrack, Rockaway Blvd. & 108th Street in Queens is being replaced by John Adams High School, 101-01 Rockaway Blvd., Ozone Park, 11417.

*NOTE: The Evacuation Center marked in the NYC hurricane evacuation zone map as Christ the King H.S. has been moved to Grover Cleveland H.S. Check the zone finder or call 311 for updated information.

Once you have somewhere – don’t forget mum and dad!   Send a text or email home to let them know you’re safe and where you are.  Also please keep in mind the following:

Basic Hurricane Safety Actions

• Stay indoors and away from windows – flying debris and flooding can be major hazard.
• Stay away from low lying areas and coastal areas. 
• Monitor the local conditions - local news and radio will keep you up to date on what is happening in your area.  NOAA Weather Radio is an excellent / official source for real-time weather information and warnings. 
• Heed the advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered.To take Important documents with you such as your passport, Form DS-2019, Form I-94, Social Security Card, Financial Records, plane ticket, checks, credit cards, etc.
• Take any contact numbers and e-mail address you may need.
• Contact your family members to let them know you are safe and how you can be reached.
• The Department of State also advises you to keep the following contact emails handy. SEVP email address (for exchange visitors):  SEVIS.Source@dhs.gov; Department of State e-mail address: Jvisas@state.gov
   

I’m meant to fly this weekend and there’s a hurricane – what do I do?

Stay safe until the hurricane has passed. Once the hurricane has passed, you can start to think about rebooking your flight.  

Check the airline website – if your flight is cancelled you can contact the airline directly to rebook your flight.

If you are flying Virgin Atlantic - check Flight Status for the latest information

If you are flying British Airways check Flight Status for the latest information.

For all other airlines http://www.tollfreeairline.com

There is every expectation that there will be power outages in the North East region.  This will make communications very difficult, and once power is restored, phone lines are expected to be overloaded.    In our experience, it’s a great deal easier to rebook your flight when you are dealing with an airline face-to-face.  We advise that ONLY WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, you should make your way to the airport to get rebooked.  Please remember you are not the only person in this position, so prepare for lengthy delays.  Airline staff will be able to help – but it will undoubtedly take longer than usual. 

I’m in an area of the US that is not affected by the hurricane, but I’m due to fly via New York – what about me?

Flights into New York are likely to be diverted, delayed or cancelled.  Talk to the airline representative at the airport to explore alternate routes that you may be able to rebook on.

I am flying back to Austria, Germany, Poland, or Switzerland and was booked via T4T travel agency in Poland.

Please check the status of your flight directly on your airline's website before leaving for the airport.  If your flight has been cancelled, please do not travel to the airport but contact the airline to find out what your new flight time will be.

I’m in an emergency situation – is there someone I can contact?

In the case of emergency Camp America US staff will be on hand over the weekend to offer support where needed.  They can be reached +1 866 222 2074 – but we ask you to please think seriously before you call this number – as other participants may be in greater need.

Ok – anything else?

That’s it for now – if there are any further updates we’ll be posting them on our website:
www.campamerica.co.uk  on our facebook.com/campamerica69 or you can follow us on twitter.com/#campamerica69

Please stay safe!