TITLE: RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED 3/16: GUIDANCE FOR PROVIDERS AND CLIENTS
Dear AWS providers,
NYC Emergency Management is monitoring a weather system that will impact the area beginning as early as this evening at 7:00 PM through Tuesday, 3/17, 2:00 AM , with the most active period expected between Monday, 6:00 PM and Tuesday, 2:00 AM.
According to the latest forecast, rain is expected to begin Sunday evening around 7 p.m. and continue overnight into early Monday morning. Periods of moderate rain are likely throughout the overnight hours and into the Monday morning commute. Scattered thunderstorms are possible late Monday morning through the afternoon, with the greatest risk for stronger storms during the evening. The most active period is expected between about 6 p.m. Monday and 2 a.m. Tuesday as the cold front moves across the region. During this time, heavier downpours, gusty winds, and organized thunderstorms may develop. Rain will gradually taper early Tuesday morning. A brief rain or snow shower cannot be ruled out on Tuesday morning as cooler air moves into the region.
We ask that you share the following safety information with your staff and clients:
General Storm Safety Guidance:
- Charge phones and keep emergency notifications turned on. Enable loud alarms or emergency alert functions on devices.
- Stay informed. Have multiple ways to receive alerts, such as mobile phones, weather radios, and emergency apps. Sign up for Notify NYC alerts via the mobile app, 311, or NYC.gov/NotifyNYC. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
- Prepare a Go Bag. Pack essentials including medications, chargers, ID, non-perishable food, flashlights, and important documents in waterproof bags. Don’t forget your pets or service animals: pack supplies to care for them, including food, leashes, a carrier, and medication.
- Allow for extra travel time. Expect delays with little to no notice. Staff or clients who utilize MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit or car services should prepare for the possibility of longer wait and ride times.
- Avoid traveling through flooded streets, subways, or underpasses. Stay away from downed power lines and electrical hazards.
- Have flood or water sensors installed and operational to provide early warnings of water entering the home.
- To keep yourself and others safe from high winds, bring inside loose, lightweight objects like lawn furniture and potted plants. Anchor objects like gas grills & tanks.
- Prepare for the possibility of power outages. Before the storm, charge devices, turn refrigerators/freezers to the coldest settings, and keep flashlights and extra batteries ready. If an outage occurs, turn off all appliances, keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage, and do not use generators indoors. If you use life sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance dial 911.
- Be prepared to move to higher ground should conditions worsen. This is especially important for staff and clients who live or operate services in a basement apartment, or in a low-lying, flood-prone, or poor drainage area.
- Call 911 immediately if in immediate danger.
Specific Guidance for Basement and Below-Grade Residents:
- Sign up for the basement alert group on Notify NYC to be alerted about dangerous flooding.
- Keep exits clear of clutter and debris at all times. Practice opening all exits in advance.
- Remove cords, electronics, and other hazards from floor areas prone to flooding.
- Ensure flood or water sensors are installed, tested, and working.
- Set alarms to check conditions overnight when flooding is possible.
- Have a predetermined, safe location to relocate to before storms. Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted, especially overnight.
- Keep phones charged and ringer volume turned up overnight.
How to Enable Emergency Alerts:
Go to Settings > Notifications.
Scroll all the way to the bottom and ensure Emergency Alerts and Severe Alerts are enabled.
Keep the ringer switch ON and volume up overnight.
Open the Settings app.
Tap Safety & Emergency or Notifications (varies by device).
Select Wireless Emergency Alerts and ensure alerts for Extreme and Severe Threats are enabled.
Keep phone volume up overnight.
Sample Client Conversation:
“I want to check in with you because a storm with rain and winds is expected. Do you have a way to get emergency alerts that will wake you up if conditions worsen? Make sure your phone is charged, the ringer is on, and alerts are enabled. If you live in a basement or low-lying area, consider moving to higher ground before the storm. Keep a Go Bag ready with essentials like medications, ID, chargers, and important documents in waterproof bags. Bring in or secure anything outside that could blow away in the wind, and keep exits clear in case you need to leave quickly. If you rely on transportation or home care, plan ahead for possible service delays. Let’s make sure your plan is ready before the storm starts.”
Key Reminders for Clients and Providers:
- Have multiple alert methods, and ensure phones are loud enough to wake you.
- Keep exits clear and practice emergency escape routes.
- Unplug or elevate floor-level electronics before storms.
- Secure or bring inside loose outdoor objects that could be moved by strong winds.
- Install and maintain water or flood sensors for early warning.
- Have an emergency plan in case transportation services are disrupted or unavailable. Identify alternative options to access medical care, supplies, or safe shelter.
- Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is expected overnight.
- Avoid all flooded streets and public transit areas.
- Avoid contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris, making them unsafe.
- Call 911 if in immediate danger.
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe. Please share this information widely with staff and clients.