And just like that, Hurricane Sandy is upon us. Among all of the media attention and subsequent hype over the dreaded “Frankenstorm,” New York City is gearing up for its next big weather crisis. However, many question whether the fears are substantially justified.

Gov. Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg and New York City officials have been dotting their “I’s” and crossing their “T’s” in their quest to make sure all city citizens are safe in the wake of this potentially massive hurricane. After a lukewarm response to last winter’s blizzards garnered widespread criticism of how city resources were handled, the extra viligance is to be expected.

The governor’s decision to shut down the public transportation system is one of the more effective measures to protect New Yorkers and to deter them from being up and about. In this way, those who plan to go outside would receive a stern warning of the extreme danger and choose to stay home instead. The hurricane’s heavy rains may cause wires in the subway system could short-circuit, leading to passengers being trapped or even electrocuted. With the shutdown of the subway, the above mentioned danger is eliminated.

The shutdown of the Metropolitan Transit Authority systems also helps colleges, including NYU, make decisions regarding canceling school events and activities, as colleges take commuters who rely on public transportation into consideration. By shutting down school events, the college administration takes an effective step in ensuring the safety of staff and students.

If Hurricane Sandy leads to large amounts of flooding or any significant property damage, the city’s established evacuation plans and other precautions can do a world of good for keeping citizens protected from the extreme weather.

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