Hurricane Prep For Queens Should Start Now: Boro Prez

Forest Hills residents — especially those who have been here for the last two hurricane seasons — know a thing or two about storms.

The neighborhood has been hit by two intense weather events in the last two years, the and

So Borough President Helen Marshall is urging residents to take storm preparations seriously as the calendar rolls over into August.

“Although the hurricane season began here on June 1, New York City is most vulnerable to hurricanes from August to October,” Marshall said. "You cannot prepare for an emergency after it happens. Communities should prepare in advance for major weather events."

Given the storm problems that the city has faced, Marshall is urging residents to check out the updated storm preparedness guide published this year by the New York City Office of Emergency Management, which can be obtained free online.

"Hurricane Irene made New Yorkers confront the dangers of storm surge flooding, high winds and heavy rain that accompany tropical storms,” said OEM Commissioner Joseph Bruno. "Preparation is key before any emergency, which is why we released the 2012 edition of the 'Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City' guide."