Dear AWS partners,
Today will be very cold and windy across New York City, with dangerous conditions developing tonight into early Wednesday.
This afternoon, west winds of 10 to 15 mph will increase, with gusts up to 25 to 30 mph. A few light snow flurries are possible, but no accumulation is expected.
The main concern begins tonight, as another surge of Arctic air arrives this evening. After midnight, wind chills will fall below zero, reaching about 5 to 9 degrees below zero by early Wednesday morning. These are life threatening conditions for anyone exposed for more than a short time.
This is a prolonged and severe cold event. Taking precautions now matters.
NYC warming centers are open and operating across the city. They will remain open throughout the period of cold weather. For residents needing relief from cold temperatures, locations and times may be found here: https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters
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.”
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe.