§ 30-117 Flash flood preparedness outreach and evacuation guidance.
AC § 30-117
a. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: Basement. The term “basement” means a story partly below the grade plane and having less than one-half its clear height (measured from finished floor to finished ceiling) below the grade plane. Cellar. The term “cellar” means a portion of a building that is partly or wholly underground, and having one-half or more of its clear height (measured from finished floor to finished ceiling) below the grade plane. Cellar or basement dwelling. The term “cellar or basement dwelling” means a room or space used for sleeping that is located at the basement or cellar level of a residential building. Flash flood. The term “flash flood” means flooding that begins within 6 hours, and often within 3 hours, of heavy rainfall. b. The office shall develop guidance for facilitating safe evacuation before flash flood emergencies. Such guidance shall include but need not be limited to: (i) information on how residents may avoid the dangers of flash flooding events; (ii) guidance on how and when to safely evacuate a location prone to flash flooding prior to a flash flood event, and (iii) existing public or private facilities suitable for individuals seeking refuge in anticipation of a flash flood event. Such guidance shall be included in the office’s annual report within one year of the enactment of the local law that added this section. c. The commissioner shall establish an outreach program to increase registration for Notify NYC alerts and to coordinate efforts across agencies to increase public awareness regarding the appropriate responses by members of the public to flash flood risks, including evacuation planning established pursuant to subdivision b of this section. Such program shall include the distribution of emergency preparedness materials and information in-person, and distribution through mass mail, guidance for building and property owners, and any other means the commissioner deems appropriate for locations prone to flash floods. d. The program established by subdivision c of this section shall target locations based on but not limited to the following factors: 1. A history of flash flood events; or 2. The prevalence of basement or cellar dwellings, to the extent such information is available. e. Within 1 year of the enactment of the local law that added this section, and annually thereafter, the office shall include in their annual report the details of the outreach program established by subdivision c, including the locations selected for outreach. (L.L. 2025/060, 5/10/2025, eff. 9/7/2025)
