I live15 miles north of NYC, but have gone to school and have worked in NYC...first 3 years in midtown, then downtown for 2 decades and for the last 3 years in midtown. In those years I've been stranded on buses, trains, and even spent 1.5 hours adrift on a broke-down ferry...none of which qualify as E & E scenarios. I can think of 3 situations, however, that have taught me...
1. One summer I was returning home from work. As usual I took the A Train uptown to 175th Street Port Authority/Fort Washington. As I came up from the train, Port Authority personnel were dropping steel gates in the underpass as the last of the disembarking passengers came through. As I emerged into the Port Authority Bus Station (street level) on of the plate glass windows burst into pieces...brick won. We had just exited the subway into a full on riot. Looters were running up and down the streets. NYPD in full riot gear were also running about...and the Port Authority, in its infinite wisdom, locked us out of the one of the most logical means to escape...the subway! Perhaps, the thought was to prevent more rioters from entering the fray via the subway. I did what I think was the best, only, only thing I could. I continued up to the Bus Platforms, which were above street level and gave me access to the George Washington Bridge. Fortunately for me, my bus was able to leave the station...with me aboard.
2. Another time, I was caught in a massive power failure effecting the entire city. I worked on the 18th floor of a building a block south of Wall street. No elevators, no water, no lights, no subways, and limited ground transportation. I hiked north with a co-worker, until we found a fellow traveler who gave us a ride out of the city.
3. 9/11...I was on a Path Train at Exchange Place, last stop before going under the river from Jersey City. Train was stopped and evacuated due to a "Police Action". As I exited the underground station, I saw the second jet hit. I was lucky I wasn't on the train ahead of me. The emergency response plan was to evacuate all building at the water front in Jersey City and to prepare that area for triage for NYC. Thousands were evacuating buildings at the same time, all being pushed away from the water front to who knows where. Block long lines at pay phones. No cell service due to downed cell towers and the surge of calls. I walked across Jersey City to my Fiance's aunt's house. Friends who made to work (less than 2 blocks south of WTC) were not as fortunate as I. When they evacuated my building, they were met with almost zero visibility with no real direction as to what to do. Fighter jets over head...they didn't know if they were their's or our's. Some took shelter in buildings to escape the waives of debris. When they were able to get back to the street, they were pushed north, and were stopped along the way to get hosed down. Others were picked up at the water front by a variety of boats and were ferried to New Jersey. At the end of the day, my brother and I made it out of the City, and my Uncle made it out of Tower 2. We are thankful.
Some of the things I've learned for my situation...
1. Travel light. In NYC, there are stores all over the place. And I'm not looking to hole up for any period of time. Plan is to get off the Island. Just the essentials...flashlight and spare batteries, slip joint knife, multi-tool, couple of energy bars, bottle of water, spare cell phone battery, roll of electrician's tape and extra cash. Also carry minimal first aid supplies and one or two contractor bags.
2. Travel "Handy". I've long ago moved from a shoulder bag to a backpack, which I use 99% of the time. Sometimes I'll use a messenger type bag. In any event, I want to have my load balanced and both hands free.
3. Travel smart. Even though I'm a "Suit" I've long ago gave up leather soled shoes for rubber soles. For me, best, most likely, way to evacuate is to stay on the streets, until I can cross a bridge out. Foot, car or bus. I don't depend on the PD for help, as they will most likely have their hands full
Chris
