In times like this, I’ll do what I can, but I encourage you to get your information from a news source such as the New York Times.

This just came from State Senator Daniel Squadron’s office. (Also, note that Whole Foods is closing at 7 p.m. tonight.)

Many 25th Senate District residents live within Hurricane Evacuation Zone A and are therefore part of a MANDATORY EVACUATION by 7PM TODAY. Click here to find out whether your home or business is in Evacuation Zone A. Even if you do not live in Zone A, please read through this email as it includes important information.

If you live in Zone A:

• Please plan on immediately going to stay with friends or family outside of Zone A.
• If you have nowhere else to go, there are evacuation centers throughout the city. Find your closest evacuation center on this map. Pets are allowed in evacuation centers. Owners are urged to bring proof of rabies vaccines and a carrier.
• Take a “go bag” with emergency items, including an extra set of house and car keys, credit and ATM cards, as well as cash, bottled water and nonperishable foods, a flashlight, battery-operated radio, first aid kit, and copies of important documents (photo ID, proof of address, insurance cards) in a waterproof portable container.
• You must evacuate your home and be in shelter by 7PM TONIGHT.
• There are 26 NYCHA developments in Zone A, including many in the 25th District on the Lower East Side and East Village. Elevators in these NYCHA developments will shut down at 7PM TONIGHT.

Whether you live in Zone A or not:

• The MTA will shut down all mass transit TODAY, Sunday, at 7PM. It is possible that bridges and tunnels will also be closed. Do not wait until the last minute.
• If you require Access-a-Ride for transportation, make arrangements to be picked up by this afternoon by calling 877-337-2017.
• All NYC public schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday.

If you live outside of Zone A:

• Stay tuned to local television or radio news, or call 311, to find out if the city is evacuating other areas.
• The NYC Office of Emergency Management has compiled important information on how to prepare for a hurricane, available in multiple languages.
• The Red Cross (877-733-2767) has put together a Hurricane Safety Checklist, available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
• Report service problems and power interruptions and view service restoration information on Con Ed’s website or by calling 1-800-752-6633.
• Stock up on bottled water and other essentials on the checklist, and make a plan in case you need to evacuate.

The City will provide updates and storm monitoring here and via 311. You can also call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at 828-271-4800 for the latest weather information.