Hurricane Sandy Blackout: Where to Find Power, Wi-Fi and More Amenities
Time Out
November 2, 2012
By Jonathan Shannon
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/hurricane-sandy-blackout-whe…
Large swaths of New York are still without power and may be for a while. If you have friends who are affected, check our list (it’s small, but growing) of NYC businesses and institutions that are offering use of their amenities, and pass it on. If you know of something we’ve missed, tell us in the comments.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
Residents of one of the worst affected areas can find food, water, power and Internet access from 9pm to 4am in Building P of this campus. Enter at the West Gate on Snug Harbor Road (at Delafield Pl). Visit snug-harbor.org for more information.
Times Up! at ABC No Rio
The environmental group will be transporting their energy bikes (previously used to power Zuccotti Park for Occupy Wall Street) to the Lower East Side community center (Nov 2 noon–6pm). Volunteers will pedal to generate electricity so residents can charge their phones and laptops. Already, the bike’s been used to pump water out of the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space’s basement (where it was on display), power the lighting for a downtown bike-repair class and provide juice to residents of the East Village. Times Up!, we tip our hats. Follow @nyctimesup for updates. ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington St between Clinton and Suffolk Sts (212-254-3697, abcnorio.org)
City Winery
Although this downtown haunt is in an area without power, they’ve fired up three generators and have invited everyone to relax, charge their phones, and drink and eat from a limited menu (cash only). On Friday, November 2, the venue has organized We Love NY Films, an impromptu free-film festival. Drop by throughout the day to watch School of Rock (12:30pm), When Harry Met Sally (3pm), Sidewalks of New York (5pm), Manhattan (7:30pm), Taxi Driver (9:30pm). 155 Varick St at Vandam St (citywinery.com)
The Paley Center for Media
This haven for boob-tube lovers has placed two power strips in its lobby (available to all) and an additional two power strips in its video library so paying visitors can recharge their devices. The Paley’s Wi-Fi is also free to use. We recommend stopping in for an afternoon and binging on your favorite series—you’re sure to find something in the venue’s playable archive of 100,000 radio and TV programs. Or watch the Paley Center’s visual-mixtape Bond @ 50 on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. 25 W 52nd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-621-6600, paleycenter.org). Wed, Fri–Sun noon–6pm; Thu noon–8pm. $10.
Time Warner Cable
TWC is sending a fleet of power stations to affected areas. Check @TWCable_NYC to find out where the vehicles are and make for the locations to charge your devices and access a 4G Wi-Fi connection. TWC has also opened up its Wi-Fi spots in the city. Retail stores on Staten Island and in Queens Center Mall (shopqueenscenter.com) in Elmhurst are also inviting people to recharge their phones.
LaptopMD
The computer and iPhone repair shop is offering its amenities to those affected by power outages. There’s free Wi-Fi and a power strip where you can charge your devices. If you’re in need of a little R&R, recline on one of the three couches, read a magazine and slurp a complimentary joe from a Keurig coffee maker. 248 W 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-920-4833, laptopmd.com). Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
New York Sports Clubs
Any NYSC with power is open to all who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy and are looking for a hot shower, somewhere to recharge their devices or a stress-busting workout. You need to be at least 18 and provide valid ID. If you’re not a member, you’re encouraged to bring your own towel.
