BILL NUMBER: S4864
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York and the
executive law, in relation to providing emergency evacuation plans and
safe spaces for vulnerable occupants, and providing for the establish-
ment of a voluntary registry to meet the special needs of occupants who
require assistance during evacuations or other emergency situations
 
PURPOSE:
To create emergency evacuation procedures that ensure the safety of
elderly and disabled residents in Naturally Occurring Retirement Commu-
nities (NORCs).
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the New York City building code by mandating the
buildings taller than 125 feet have emergency power systems with the
ability to keep at least one elevator or one elevator per bank func-
tional, as well as electricity dedicated for safe spaces.
Section two amends the New York City building code by mandating that
residential buildings over 125 feet create safe spaces for vulnerable
occupants in the case of a power outage or emergency situation, equipped
with medical supplies.
Section three amends the New York City building code by adding new
sections detailing the preparation and maintenance of an emergency evac-
uation plan for all residential occupancies.
Section four amends the executive law by adding a section outlining the
creation of a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Database (NORCD).
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In case of emergency or any event that may require evacuation, vulner-
able residents must be assisted to safety and have their medical needs
attended to. In late February 2021, an unexpected power outage in Co-op
City in the Bronx left vulnerable residents without proper evacuation
and emergency support.
To prevent future tragedy, this legislation creates an emergency proto-
col so that residents can get proper assistance in the event of an emer-
gency. This plan creates the NORCD, a program that allows NORC residents
to voluntarily provide their special medical needs to be included in a
registry, so they can be easily identified/located in an emergency. This
program gives those eligible the option to pre-authorize emergency
personnel to enter their homes to assist with evacuation and/or any
immediate medical needs during an emergency.
This legislation also provides for the creation of safe spaces with
emergency power in NORCs. These spaces would be equipped with various
medical supplies and devices. In addition, this legislation creates
emergency evacuation plans, as well as training for both employees and
residents.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S5457 - Referred to Cities 1
2023-24: S2746 - Referred to Cities 1
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S4864: 23-d executive law, 23-d(2) executive law