Halachic Guidelines for Hurricanes

By COLlive reporter

The Orthodox Union (OU) has released an updated version of the “Shabbat Protocols in Case of a Hurricane” as nearly 300,000 New York City residents were told Friday to get out of their homes.

Officials ordered an unprecedented shutdown of the city’s mass transit system for Saturday in advance of Hurricane Irene.

The Halachic guidelines were originally written by Rabbi Kenneth Brander for Florida’s Jewish residents. COLlive.com has asked Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky, member of Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch, to review them and add his corrections to suit Chabad customs.

1. Minyan

If a hurricane is happening on Shabbos and it is unsafe to walk outside, remain at home. (In such a case, then you did not hear Kiras Hatorah, try to prearrange with your shul to lain two parshiyos on the next Shabbos).

2. Assume no Eruv

Carrying permitted for life/limb threatening situations and is permitted for individuals who need medical attention without which a person’s functionality is compromised, (even for a bed-ridden headache). In this case carrying should be done, only if possible, in an irregular fashion (i.e. carrying medicine in ones belt or shoe).

Carrying permitted to allow a baby, infirm seniors or a child traumatized by the event to function without compromise. In this case carrying should be done, if possible, in a irregular fashion (i.e. two people carrying or wheeling the stroller/person.)

3. Use of Candles & Flashlights

Use yahrzeit or hurricane candles lit before Shabbat placed in designated locations.

Hang/place lit flashlights with fresh batteries in key locations before Shabbat.

If flash light/candle goes out:
When necessary (to take care of children, to eat etc..) and there is no other light a non-Jew can relight or change batteries

If not having the light may create a life threatening situation, you may do it yourself

Moving candles and flashlight is permitted in the following situations:
For any medical concerns no matter how slight

Carrying permitted for comfort and welfare of seniors and children under eight (or above eight years old when child is traumatized by the event)
When possible, moving a candle, should be done by two individuals

4. Radio
A radio should be left on in a side room, but the channel should not be changed. The volume on radio may be adjusted on Shabbos. Better to keep it on low for it preserves the battery and only raise it when necessary.

Please be advised that it is highly recommended to stock up on supplies prior to Shabbos as many items may no longer be available in stores on Motzei Shabbos. For further questions, please consult with your local rabbi.

5. Emergency

One must always do whatever is necessary to protect one’s life. Therefore one is allowed to drive to a secure place and take along whatever is necessary, even money. Once one is out of harms way, he should stay put until after Shabbos.

If a child or elderly person is present and staying in the car would be a danger, one can proceed to a shelter. One may also put gas in the car if needed to arrive at a safe place.

List of essential items:

Batteries, flashlights, candles, yartzheit candles, canned food, bottled water- 1 gallon per day per person, battery powered radio, important documents sealed in a water proof bag, insurance information, photographs of household valuables.

Hurricane Irene Emergency Information:

+ National Hurricane Center
+ Ready.Gov Hurricane Preparedness
+ Maps and Resources related to Hurricane Irene

UPDATES:

* Due to the weather, Oholei Torah Mesivta will be opening on Monday at 10:30 am instead of the regular 7:30 am.

* Sunday’s “Guns, Halacha and the Constitution” seminar at 935 Eastern Parkway Shul has been cancelled.