As Hurricane Irene seems only so bound and determined to pay a visit to New York City and surrounding areas, government officials are doing the best they can to make sure residents are properly prepared. Evacuations are underway of senior care facilities and hospitals in some low-lying areas, which are the most susceptible to flooding.

"The issue here is that we are facing a storm of somewhat historic proportions," said Alan Aviles, president and CEO of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, according to the New York Daily News.

As a result, citizens have been warned that the MTA is shutting its services down Saturday promptly at noon, in preparation for the storm.

"Because of the severity of the wind and rain associated with a hurricane, there may be partial or full shut down of our services to ensure the safety of our customers and employees," the MTA said in a statement, claims the New York Post.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has yet to determine whether or not to issue a mandatory evacuation order to people residing in “Zone A” areas, but, as a precaution, he encourages citizens to evacuate voluntarily well in advance of the storm, which is supposed to hit over the weekend.

The mayor has also revoked permits for events scheduled to take place throughout the city on Sunday as well as some that were to occur in low-lying areas Saturday. Approximately 300 street fairs over the weekend “would have to be curtailed” in order to keep streets clear for hurricane-related transportation, according to the New York Times.

In respect to the Mayor’s wishes, the Student Credit Card Education Initiative -sponsored “Music for Change” event that was scheduled to take place at Sullivan Hall Sunday, August 28^th at 6p.m. has been postponed. The concert, which will feature performances from five main artists: DASO, BLKVAMPIRES, (i am) isis, GOLDENCHILD & THE CHOSEN, and ELLINA GRAYPEL, has been rescheduled for next month.

The new date of the event is Sunday, October 2nd. The location and start time will remain the same, as will the line-up of performers. Admission to the concert is free and the SCCE will be raffling off a grand prize of $1000.