Falling Temps Fuel Housing Concerns For Sandy Victims Without Heat, Hot Water

As Sheepshead Bay and Southern Brooklyn continue to cope with the damage from Hurricane Sandy, those without heat or hot water face a new challenge: falling temperatures, and a possible nor’easter later this week. Those without heat – especially seniors – are strongly encouraged to find a place to stay until temperatures swing back up next weekend.

From the New York Times:

In New York, 30,000 to 40,000 people, mainly residents of public housing, will have to find new homes, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said at a news conference with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday.

… Temperatures throughout the region fell early Sunday into the 30s, and the National Weather Service issued a freeze watch on Sunday for parts of New Jersey, including the coast, where many residents remained without heat. Officials have urged them to head to shelters.

Mr. Bloomberg called the cold the “most pressing” challenge in the recovery. The city has opened heating shelters and is passing out blankets to New Yorkers without electricity.

“You can die from being cold,” Mr. Bloomberg said Sunday. “You can die from fires started from candles or stoves. Please go to the local disaster site. If you don’t know where to go, stop a cop on the side of the road and ask.”

Adding to the concerns, forecasters now say that a northeaster could move in by midweek, hitting the already battered coastal areas with heavy winds and strong waves. Freezing temperatures are also expected.

On Twitter, the mayor’s office said that recovery efforts today are focused on checking in with those in hard hit areas that may be without heat or hot water, and encouraging them to move to shelters.

Five warming centers are currently open in Brooklyn, and a list of locations and times can be found here.