This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Commissioner Arthur Wallander conducts a short question and answer session with Edward F. Cavanagh Jr., Commissioner of Marine and Aviation and Deputy Director of Water-born Transportation under the Division of Transportation.

Cavanagh notes that water transport is more rugged than other forms of transportation and suited to continue functioning during an emergency. It is a viable means for a large scale evacuation. The Department of of Marine and Aviation and the Marine Division of the fire department have conducted a thorough survey of all available craft - ferries, tugs, small crafts, etc.
In the event of a disaster the Evacuation Division would establish assembly points for water evacuations.
Even if the event of total disaster, stations would be able to continue because there are independent stations in each of the boroughs. The also each have there own radio communication, in the even of radio signal loss the stations have small crafts that could be sent out to communicate with flags and blinker lights.

Some crafts would be dedicated to fighting fires. Landings must be identified and depth must be considered so the proper craft is sent. Sites are being established to build landings.

At end, announcer reminds listeners of the air raid warnings scheduled for noon on Saturday, May 26 and every Saturday thereafter. He describes the horse power of all of the sirens.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 71586
Municipal archives id: LT1826