Post-Chelsea bombing check-in: Safety tips and other city-living reminders for the near future

By Virginia K. Smith | September 19, 2016 - 11:47AM

Most of us in NYC are edgily getting back to business as usual after bombings over the weekend in Chelsea and New Jersey, though not exactly helped by this morning's emergency alert, which is already drawing criticism for needlessly riling up the city without providing many details. First things first, the suspect, 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami, whom authorities were searching for in connection with the weekend bombings, is now in custody.

In the interest of staying safe and informed, now and in the future, here's everything you need to know right now about this weekend's events:

Though Rahami has apparently been arrested, it's good to remember this number in case you have any information: 1-800-577-TIPS. Per Gothamist, the FBI also has a toll-free tipline, 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate."
As usual, the city is encouraging New Yorkers to "if you see something, say something," a campaign that's been in place since the days following 9/11. If you see anything suspicious, tell a cop or MTA employee, or call 888-NYC-SAFE (888-692-7233).
Subway service has returned to normal, though as of yesterday, there are street closures on West 23rd Street between 5th and 7th Avenues; on 6th Avenue between West 14th Street and West 25th Street. Check in with Notify NYC for the latest updates on transit disruptions and street closures.
In a somewhat ironic twist of fate, it would seem that thieves inadvertently disarmed one of the bombs this weekend while stealing the suitcase in which it was hidden.
The city has stepped up security around major landmarks and transit hubs, and mayor de Blasio has said that more information is rapidly coming to light, and that "things are moving very quickly."

If you're interested in getting more information about how your co-op, condo, or rental building can set up an emergency plan, read our recent article on building safety. If you have doormen, here's one crucial piece of advice from Howard Rothchild, president of the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, who spoke at a safety seminar we covered in June: "The cliche of the sleeping doorman might have been okay 30 years ago, but it's not now. Doormen provide the first line of security and should know what to do in any emergency, whether it's weather, fire, or terror." So now might be a good time to revisit protocol and staff training with your building management.

Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers.