The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
Dear AWS partners,
New York City will experience temperatures below freezing today, 12/8, due to an arctic air mass. Wind gusts near 30 mph will drive wind chills to levels that will feel close to zero across parts of the city. On Tuesday 12/9, temperatures will remain below freezing early on, then climb into the 30s during the afternoon. These conditions can be dangerous, particularly for those with disabilities, access and functional needs.
NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) is asking that AWS service providers share the following information to ensure the safety of themselves and their clients:
- Conduct outreach to ensure clients are aware and prepared for the weather. Help them to prepare if needed. Older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions are most vulnerable.
- Encourage staff and vulnerable clients to stay indoors. If staff or clients must go outdoors, they should wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves. Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors.
- Providers should adjust services for clients as needed, including consideration for clients who are homebound and may need access to supplemental meal delivery or medical services. Consider rescheduling non-emergency appointments and activities. Providers should consider pivoting in-person services to remote where appropriate.
- If clients do not have heat or hot water, complaints should be directed to the building superintendent, property manager, or owner right away. If the problem is not resolved quickly, complaints should be submitted to 311. While waiting for service to be restored, clients should go to a warm place, such as a friend or family member's house. If they stay home, they should wear layered, loose-fitting clothing.
- A stove or oven should never be used to heat a home. Anyone using an electric heater should make sure it is plugged directly into a wall out (not an extension cord or power strip) and keep it away from any flammable items (such as clothing). Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly. Never use a stove, oven or charcoal grill to heat a home. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC. Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire, such as curtains or tablecloths. Do not hang clothes over a space heater to dry.
- Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311 and encourage clients to do so as well.
Sample Client Conversation
“I want to check in because very cold weather is expected. Do you have working heat and a warm place to stay? If not, contact your building management right away or call 311. If you must go outside, wear warm, dry layers and keep your hands, ears, and face covered. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home, and keep space heaters plugged directly into the wall and away from anything that can burn. If you have appointments, consider rescheduling or doing them remotely. Make sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts through Notify NYC so you get emergency updates.”
Heating Assistance Update
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) pays for fuel, utilities, and heating and cooling equipment repairs or replacement. Payments go directly to the utility company or energy provider. You can get HEAP even if utilities are included in your rent.
The 2025-2026 Regular HEAP benefit is now OPEN. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and must have a household member who is under six years old, 60 years or older, or permanently disabled. Benefits are first-come, first-serve, so apply as soon as possible. Applications close April 7, 2026 or when funds run out. For more information please visit https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/
The 2025-2026 Emergency HEAP benefit is tentatively scheduled to open on January 2, 2026. Households may be eligible for an emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency. Households facing an energy emergency should call their local Department of Social Services’ HEAP office for assistance.
For more information on eligibility and applying for HEAP benefits, visit Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe.
The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www.advancewarningsystemnyc.org/aws
Please do no reply to this e-mail. This mailbox is not monitored. To make changes or receive assistance with your account, please login to the AWS website or contact us through the AWS website. If you think you or someone else may have an emergency, call 911 immediately.