1. By the time Irene gets to New York City, it will be a mere meteorological annoyance, perhaps a tropical storm or depression. And,
2. That will not stop the torrential storm of looters and thieves who will not be denied this opportunity for street justice and wealth re-distribution.
(I'd love to be wrong on 2.)
.
Even though the City has regressed, in terms of quality of life, since the Giuliani Era, it's still the safest city in the country.
There was actually a reduction in crime during the 2003 blackout.