NYC Office of Emergency Management, Con Edison say they've improved after Isaias

New York City's Office of Emergency Management says it was prepared, but the storm still threw a curveball.

News 12 Staff

Aug 4, 2021, 2:36 AM

Updated 1,216 days ago

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A year after downed trees and power outages plagued New York City because of Tropical Storm Isaias, emergency officials are reflecting on what they learned from the weather event.
New York City's Office of Emergency Management says it was prepared, but the storm still threw a curveball.
"Isais presented a much different challenge, so we were able to work to improve our Downed Tree Task Force plan," said John Scrivani, NYC Emergency Management Commissioner.
The combination of trees and electrical lines down posed a problem.
"Our first responders can't really move trees if they're wrapped up in power lines because we don't know if they're live or not. So, we're really sending out combined teams now so that we know we can expedite that process and really work safer," Scrivani said.
OEM worked closely with Con Edison to organize future plans. The power company called it the second most devastating storm in its history.
A spokesperson said in a statement, "We are ahead of schedule in deploying smart meters, which notify us of outages and allow restoration to begin more quickly. We have established retainer relationships with contractors to guarantee 325 workers during events and bought 90 trucks, allowing us to have contractors from outside the region fly to the area and start work more quickly."
While flooding was not a major concern, crews responded to typical problem areas and were able to run through flood protection measures as an exercise.