text: There are things that could be done longer term to make this problem easier to fix, but New York is not known for being bright about such things. For example, YOU could waive union rules and licensing rules during disasters and allow crews from other States free license to join in the repairs. (There have been news reports of crews turned back for not having union cards, for example). YOU could change the permitting and building codes such that large buildings do not have their electrical switch rooms below grade, where a minor storm surge results in a flooded and destroyed electrical room. Or just dont let so much be built on sand bars and coastal flood plains. (YOU can change the building codes)