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The Advance Warning System disseminates information to New Yorkers 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.
Mayor de Blasio and Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito today launched a new public service video announcement with the New York Islanders to prepare New Yorkers for winter weather hazards.
"We want to make sure every New Yorker has a plan for winter weather and is fully prepared in case of a storm," said Mayor de Blasio. "From our elderly residents to our youngest students, we want to keep every New Yorker safe and warm through the coldest months - and these important tips will help get our city ready for the winter season."
From battling dangerously cold temperatures to travel safety and snow removal, the new video offers New Yorkers tips on staying safe during the winter. The video also features players from the New York Islanders who encourage New Yorkers to dust off their household emergency plans and to stay prepared for snow, ice, and frigid temperatures that winter often brings.
"We've had bitterly cold weather this week and snow is in the forecast, so we want New Yorkers to make sure they're fully prepared for all that winter may bring," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. "This video reminds New Yorkers to get ready and stay ready during the season. We also want to thank the New York Islanders for working with us to help make sure that everyone is prepared and stays safe when they have to go out and face the elements."
New York City Emergency Management also reminds New Yorkers to help others who may be at increased risk of health problems. Homeless individuals not in shelters, people working outdoors, and those in homes or apartments with inadequate heat are most likely to be exposed to dangerous cold. Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs and people with cognitive impairments such as dementia, serious mental illness or developmental disability are at increased risk. Winter precipitation can also cause dangerous street conditions, and motorists and pedestrians are asked to take extra precautions when traveling.
New Yorkers are reminded to:
Make a Plan
- Make sure your Household Disaster Plan is ready and all members of your household are familiar with how to contact one another in an emergency.
- Winterize your Go Bag by adding a blanket, warm socks and gloves.
- Your Emergency Supply Kit should be fully-stocked to allow you to sustain yourself for up to three days without power, or in the event you are unable to travel far from home. You may wish to include additional items such as extra blankets, additional warm clothing, and a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio to monitor weather conditions during a storm.
For winter weather safety tips, please visit http://on.nyc.gov/1WujvN4. For staying in touch with NYC Emergency Management, visit NYC.gov/emergencymanagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
For more information about keeping Pets safe during a snowstorm please see this information from the ASPCA.
NYC Emergency Management Human Services Unit:
Human Services email distribution list: humanservicesesf@oem.nyc.gov
Christopher Pagnotta
Advance Warning/Community Outreach Specialist
Cell: 347-578-1485
cpagnotta@oem.nyc.gov
Sonia Ajwani
Human Services Emergency Support Function Coordinator
Cell: 347-266-0204
sajwani@oem.nyc.gov
Roseann Mastrandrea
Human Services Emergency Support Function Coordinator
Cell: 646-628-7754
rmastrandrea@oem.nyc.gov