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,
NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a travel advisory from the evening of Saturday, February 8 through Sunday, February 9, 2025, with a winter storm expected to impact the region. Currently, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Saturday evening into Sunday morning. The NWS currently forecasts a winter storm with accumulating snow, possibly mixing with sleet, of 3 to 5 inches possible Saturday night into Sunday morning. A chance for freezing rain is also forecast for early Sunday morning. Up to an inch per hour is possible. NYCEM is also monitoring for the possibility of snow again Tuesday night into Wednesday.
NYCEM is asking that AWS service providers take the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their clients:
- Conduct outreach. 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. Consider rescheduling non-emergency appointments and activities. Providers should consider pivoting in-person services to remote where appropriate. 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. 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.
- 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 outlet (not an extension cord or power strip) and keep it away from any flammable items (such as clothing). Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly. Heat or hot water complaints should be directed to landlords and building management. If the problem is not resolved, complaints can be submitted to 311.
- Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation whenever possible. Expect delays with little to no notice, especially during times when snow is expected to be heaviest. Staff or clients who use paratransit or car services should prepare for the possibility of longer wait and ride times.
- Drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Wet roadways may freeze, causing icy and dangerous road conditions.
- Always be prepared for potential power outages. If an outage occurs, turn off all appliances, keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage, and do not use generators indoors. Clients who use life sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance should dial 911.
- Report outages, downed power lines, and damaged electrical equipment to power providers immediately. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). Outages can also be reported online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660)
- Report downed trees and damaged tree limbs to 311; if there is immediate danger, call 911.
- Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311 and encourage clients to do so as well.
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.