Hurricane Sandy – Evening Update – “Time To Evacuate Is Over,” Brighton May Lose Power

Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared during his 5:30 p.m. press conference that “The time to evacuate is over,” and if you have refused to leave the Zone A evacuation zone your best bet now is to stay put.

The city is urging these residents to hunker down and avoid going outside altogether. High winds are hurling debris at dangerous speeds that pose a threat to life and limb. If you live in a building with an elevator, do not use it. You do not want to be stuck in an elevator if the power goes out.

Speaking of, if the power goes out, take the time to unplug all your appliances so they don’t get damaged in a power surge. Light a candle and read a book. Or use all your phone’s precious batteries reading Sheepshead Bites.

Mayor Bloomberg also said Con Edison is considering a shut down of areas at high-risk of flooding. Ocean waters getting into Con Edison’s infrastructure could damage equipment, so the company is considering a voluntary shutdown to protect equipment and crews. Most of the areas they’re concerned about are in Manhattan’s financial district, though he did mention that Brighton Beach may have service terminated for the storm. Brighton Beach is the lowest point along the Coney Island – Brighton Beach – Manhattan Beach island.

Once again: stay inside. Wrap yourself up in blanket. Make hurricane babies. Just don’t go outside. I would like to report tomorrow that this has been a casualty-free storm.